Sidewinder.
You know that I try to be honest with you in this work. The last three days have been pretty tough. On Friday afternoon we heard that a friend of ours was in the hospital after having a really bad stroke.
It came as a shock, especially since she is younger than we are. Somehow that makes it worse, and I guess it’s because it makes you realize that it could happen to any of us.
None of us like to be aware of our mortality.
Later that afternoon I learned that the young daughter of a cousin of mine has been diagnosed with an aggressive and fast-moving brain tumor. My heart ached for my cousin and her husband, who face the terrible possibility that no parent should have to bear.
I hate the feeling of helplessness that we experience when something like this happens. We wish we could help, but there’s nothing we can do.
Holly remarked on Friday afternoon that these things usually come in threes.
So when I received a text on Sunday morning telling me that a dear woman who has always been a second mother to Holly had suffered a severe stroke late last week, I dreaded letting her know.
I was at a continuing education seminar, and so I knew I wouldn’t be able to hold Holly while she cried. Thankfully she was able to be with her Mom and her sister, and they were able to support and hold one another.
Sometimes life can be so cruel.
I don’t share this with you for sympathy, or to bring you down. There are many things in life that are beautiful, wonderful and a blessing. So many good things happen each day that we become complacent in our appreciation, and find the gratitude that we could feel somehow lacking.
We all have challenges, and yet we all have so much that is good in the world. But so often it takes a shock to awaken us to the magnitude of how fortunate we are.
The title of this post is a reflection on the truth that the universe can hit us out of nowhere.
No matter how strong we are, life can hit us hard and fast. The ordinary reality of today can appear like a fairy tale after the news of tomorrow, and yet our challenge is to maintain our focus on all the good that we can see and experience.
And not lose ourselves in the pain and sorrow that befalls all of us, at some time, in some way.
I believe that life is to be lived. Sometimes in spite of all that befalls us and sometimes because of it. Although we can be knocked down, I believe we owe it to everyone who we can influence to get back up, and keep trying.
We have to be the light for ourselves and everyone around us.
Because when the dark times come, and they do come, we have to be there to lighten each others’ burdens, and shine our own light into the darkness.
— Dr. Alan Barnes
@maddrbmusings