Ode to Spare Parts

spare/spe(ə)r/

Adjective:	Additional to what is required for ordinary use: "few people had spare cash".
Noun:	An item kept in case another item of the same type is lost, broken, or worn out.

It's an odd term, "spare parts." If they are spare, and therefore not really needed, they're not really parts, just extras hanging around. Or, are they replacement parts? No, then they would be called replacement parts, not spare parts. Whenever I buy something that has to be assembled, it comes with a couple of spare parts. Rarely do I have to use them, but it's always a little comforting knowing they'll be hanging out in one of my junk drawers if I ever need them. (Of course, I'll never actually NEED them unless I decide to throw them away.)

So, I'm thinking about the spare parts we have in the body. Why did we come with spare parts? To define the term here, I mean parts that aren't really necessary, or that a person can easily live without. They are parts which perform certain functions, but without them, the body still works. For instance:

1.  The tonsils: their primary purpose is to be the first line of defense against foreign pathogens. The reality is though, that most people have them removed early on because they get inflamed, cause ear infections, etc. So, out they go. Not needed, in fact, often better off without them. Spare part. No need to keep it in the junk drawer.

2.  The gallbladder: aids mainly in fat digestion and concentrates bile produced by the liver.  The problem with the gallbladder is that it sometimes likes to grow things, gallstones. When gallstones are present, and the gallbladder decides to do it's extra little function job, the stones produce the most horrible, excruciating pains!!! When stones are present, the gallbladder has to go. Not needed. It was a helpful little part, but we really don't need it in the junk drawer once it grows things. One thing to consider though, is that if you have a cholecystectomy, you can no longer be accused of having too much gall.

3.  The ovaries: Ok, so yes, they do serve a primary function. However, once a woman reaches the end of her childbearing years, or the desire to bear children, we can do without  one or both of them if needed. So, if it also decides to grow things, it's got to go too. Still have a spare. Besides, the tubes have already been tied, so really not any need.

4.  Breast reduction: Sure, I've got some to spare. Please, take it.

5.  The uterus: well, it did a wonderful job of growing a couple of big babies, but it has served it's purpose. Let's face it. I'm almost 50, my tubes are tied, I only have one ovary, and the chances of immaculate conception are pretty slim. Besides, even if it did happen, I really don't need any more drama in my life. So, following the pattern of previous spare parts, it decided to grow big too. Time to go!! 

There are other parts we can live without, like the appendix, one kidney maybe, the spleen, the eyes, even the testes (sorry guys), etc. But I think I've been cleaning out my junk drawer pretty well. Like I said earlier, you never really need those spare parts until you throw them out, so I'm thinking I'll hang on to my other ones for a while. Just in case. However, the bottom line here is that at least all I've had to deal with are SPARE parts. I see that as a blessing.