I would like to think that logic and critical thinking go hand in hand. Most of my major decisions are thought through and analyzed. I take the information I am presented with and then go from there. This is especially important if the decision I am faced with effects more than just myself. If a decision effects my family or people I care about I am more likely to take a little longer to analyze the information presented. One instance that has occurred recently in my life that required critical thinking over its initial perception happened this summer when my father was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
In June, my mother called and told me that the doctors, in the small town they live, had given my father roughly two weeks to live and that she should take him home and make him as comfortable as possible. This was where the perception came into play. With the information I was given, my perception was that I had two weeks left to spend with my father. At the time and for the next day, that was the reality of the situation, little did we know things would be different. Needless to say, my wife and I rushed off to Texas to spend time with the family. When we arrived at my parent's house, we were still looking at the perceived reality of what we knew at that point. Trying to keep a positive attitude, knowing what we knew, was a difficult thing to accomplish but we knew that it was the best thing for all people involved.
After some much needed talking with my mom and dad, some stress, tears and a little sleep, we decided that we, as a family, were not going to go out without a fight. About 45 minutes from where my parents live, there is another small town ...