It is often said that the two things we cannot escape on the road from the womb to the tomb are death and taxes. True. Most of us, however can, add a line to that truism, referring to the crosses many are called upon to bear during that interval.
Some, like Tory Government member Michael Baker, end up with more than their fair share. I am certain the 50-year-old cabinet minister must have privately whispered “why me Lord?” on more than one occasion. I say privately, because his public persona is always positive and upbeat, despite an ongoing battle with cancer since 2006. And now word comes that Baker has had hip replacement surgery and is currently facing a period of recovery.
I don’t know the Bridgewater resident personally, but what I do know is that he epitomizes a saying I’ve used so many times when doling out advice, asked for or otherwise. My stock answer in times of distress is, “We all have our cross to bear. We can drag it or carry it.”
Baker has experienced both the physical pain and emotional anxiety associated with cancer. Through it all he has shown amazing strength and courage, carriying his cross with great dignity.
Norman Vincent Peale must have had individuals like Michael Baker in mind when he penned The Power of Positive Thinking. And in reality, the Lunenburg MLA could have taught Peale, a man referred to as “God’s salesman,” a thing or two on the subject.
How easy it would have been for him to take extended medical leave or even to retire from public life, in order to fight his health problems. No one would have been critical. Even the Members Opposite would have shown compassion and understanding. After all, life is precious and we all deserve to extend it for as long as possible.
Michael chose otherwise, a more difficult path. Yes, he had some medical leave, but only enough to regain his strength. Then it was back to work, toiling as our Finance Minister, probably the most difficult post in government. I may not always agree with his politics, but I certainly admire his grit.
Human nature being what it is, most of us are currently focused on the national stage, where the spotlight will be beaming squarely and brightly on Brian Mulroney. On the Provincial dais, the footlights will illuminate Ernie Fage. And in both cases with good reason, I hasten to add.
I too will keep abreast of those events as they unfold, but frankly, I am more interested in Michael Baker’s battle. I’ll be quietly cheering him on because, borrowing from Anne Murray; he “deserves a little good news”.
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