Monday, June 1, 2015
Sunday, May 31, 2015
We are the Catalysts of our Miracles
It is my understanding that there are different types and levels of miracles. The Creator/Giver of life, creates and provides continuously and indiscriminately air, rain, sun, crops and cattle of the fields to all. He cares for the tiniest as well as for the most gigantic creatures. These are continuous miracles bestowed on the collectivity unconditionally. (Famine and starvation are human made)
On the other hands, there are miracles that are only contingent upon our willingness to ignite the power within us. Such power will allow our desires to manifest in our lives through faith and obedience
Moses in order to lead the Israelites out of bondage, had to ignite the power in him by replacing his fear with faith. Then, all it took for all the miracles to happen was his baton and his faith. The woman of Sarepta, through faith and obedience was able, despite the minuscule amount of flour and oil, to feed the prophet and her son. Her blessing was toppled by an overflowing riches and grace that carried over generations afterwards.
The young boy did not hesitate to surrender his five loaves of bread and two fish for the Master's plan. He ultimately witnessed his participation in the divine plan that satisfied his hunger as well as that of the whole community. He had allowed himself to partake in that indescribable miracle of sharing. The same dynamism applied to the woman with the issue of blood, the lepers, the lame, the blind and the dead. They witnessed their miracles because of their faith and obedience.
There are occasions where we impede or sabotage our miracles. Cain for example missed his miracles because of his lack of faith; and unwillingness to offer his best. Abel on the other hand, honored The Lord with the best that he could with the understanding that all belong to God; that he could never out-give The Lord. Therefore, despite his violent death, his sacrifice will remain at The Heart of The Throne of The Lord of lords forever.
Jesus Himself spoke of a town where no miracles happened because of their lack of faith. Jesus went on sharing the secret to our miracles: a bit of faith as tiny as a mustard seed in The Living God. Jesus replied: "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. Like 17: 20
Created at the image of The Father God Almighty, we have been blessed with the power to walk in our purpose. We need faith and action for them our miracles to come to light. We need to believe and allow God to operate in our lives without hindrances. We need to tap into that divine energy, and dynamically activate that supernatural power though faith and obedience to bring about our miracles.
On the other hands, there are miracles that are only contingent upon our willingness to ignite the power within us. Such power will allow our desires to manifest in our lives through faith and obedience
Moses in order to lead the Israelites out of bondage, had to ignite the power in him by replacing his fear with faith. Then, all it took for all the miracles to happen was his baton and his faith. The woman of Sarepta, through faith and obedience was able, despite the minuscule amount of flour and oil, to feed the prophet and her son. Her blessing was toppled by an overflowing riches and grace that carried over generations afterwards.
The young boy did not hesitate to surrender his five loaves of bread and two fish for the Master's plan. He ultimately witnessed his participation in the divine plan that satisfied his hunger as well as that of the whole community. He had allowed himself to partake in that indescribable miracle of sharing. The same dynamism applied to the woman with the issue of blood, the lepers, the lame, the blind and the dead. They witnessed their miracles because of their faith and obedience.
There are occasions where we impede or sabotage our miracles. Cain for example missed his miracles because of his lack of faith; and unwillingness to offer his best. Abel on the other hand, honored The Lord with the best that he could with the understanding that all belong to God; that he could never out-give The Lord. Therefore, despite his violent death, his sacrifice will remain at The Heart of The Throne of The Lord of lords forever.
Jesus Himself spoke of a town where no miracles happened because of their lack of faith. Jesus went on sharing the secret to our miracles: a bit of faith as tiny as a mustard seed in The Living God. Jesus replied: "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. Like 17: 20
Created at the image of The Father God Almighty, we have been blessed with the power to walk in our purpose. We need faith and action for them our miracles to come to light. We need to believe and allow God to operate in our lives without hindrances. We need to tap into that divine energy, and dynamically activate that supernatural power though faith and obedience to bring about our miracles.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Our Existence Intertwined
I liked sitting on the floor and inviting my children around; coming home sharing the highlights of my long work days. Often times it was about the simple blessings that I called miracles. Joking around, I would point out that every time I was inadvertently caught up in the rain without an umbrella, I would look at the sky and pray for the rain to halt until I reached my destination. I would hear the rain behind me, and as soon I reached my shelter, it would start pouring. It happened over and over. I would share the countless blessings in moments of dire need, but was not successful in convincing those young kids of mine that they were miracles. Those days are over. I hope that as adults their eyes are opened to witnessing their own abundance of miracles.
One Summer, I had decided to go spend some time with my ailing sister about 60 miles away. Since I normally do not like to drive, furthermore, was too exhausted to take the bus, my son agreed to drive me there. It was a scorching hot day, not one to be dealing with mishaps or drama. I had reclined my seat to ease my back, and had begun chatting with my son, when suddenly I heard him sighing. Then about a few feet away, I heard a screeching sound. My son went outside To take a look, came back inside, then moved the car a little bit further. Fortunately, we were right by a gas station. He eased the car next to the air pump and got out. Then came right back inside, "We have a flat tire that needs to be patched". What! What's the plan? I interjected...He kept on moving. Few yards away , behold there was a car repair shop. The tire was patched for 50.00 and we headed to my sister's.
On the road as I was thankful and grateful for that new miracle, I continued sharing the blessings of that week. Suddenly my son interrumpted me saying: "Mommy, what had just happened was a miracle. Everything else you mentioned were just coincidences". He went on explaining that he had accidentally gotten off the wrong exit. That what at first seemed a nightmare turned out to be a blessing from heaven. If he had gotten off at the right exit, the flat tire would have happened in the middle of the highway. I deducted that even in the safest case scenario, the car would have needed to be towed; the financial cost would have been greater. Also, waiting under such extreme heat could have potentially caused health complications -such as dehydration and stroke- to both of us. At least my son and I were on the same page, that together we had witnessed a miracle.
Miracles come in many different forms and different packages. The gift of life, the air that we breathe, the food that sustain us, all that we take for granted are miracles.
One Summer, I had decided to go spend some time with my ailing sister about 60 miles away. Since I normally do not like to drive, furthermore, was too exhausted to take the bus, my son agreed to drive me there. It was a scorching hot day, not one to be dealing with mishaps or drama. I had reclined my seat to ease my back, and had begun chatting with my son, when suddenly I heard him sighing. Then about a few feet away, I heard a screeching sound. My son went outside To take a look, came back inside, then moved the car a little bit further. Fortunately, we were right by a gas station. He eased the car next to the air pump and got out. Then came right back inside, "We have a flat tire that needs to be patched". What! What's the plan? I interjected...He kept on moving. Few yards away , behold there was a car repair shop. The tire was patched for 50.00 and we headed to my sister's.
On the road as I was thankful and grateful for that new miracle, I continued sharing the blessings of that week. Suddenly my son interrumpted me saying: "Mommy, what had just happened was a miracle. Everything else you mentioned were just coincidences". He went on explaining that he had accidentally gotten off the wrong exit. That what at first seemed a nightmare turned out to be a blessing from heaven. If he had gotten off at the right exit, the flat tire would have happened in the middle of the highway. I deducted that even in the safest case scenario, the car would have needed to be towed; the financial cost would have been greater. Also, waiting under such extreme heat could have potentially caused health complications -such as dehydration and stroke- to both of us. At least my son and I were on the same page, that together we had witnessed a miracle.
Miracles come in many different forms and different packages. The gift of life, the air that we breathe, the food that sustain us, all that we take for granted are miracles.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Drink the Wine, but Respect the Bottle
When I found out that my name meant "Strong Spear", the divine impartation in me suddenly took off to a higher ground. My eyes opened; and the reasons I had survived the storms of my life became crystal clear. I began to reflect on my life in a more meaningful way. I began to question the purpose of the elements around me: a spear, a knife, a gun, a rock, a flower, water, fire, and so on. I became more curious about the common things, and began to pay attention to their symbolisms.
When The Bible evokes God's Word as a sword with two edges, it opens one's mind to the fact that everything in life can converge only towards two different directions. It points out the reality of good and evil, life and death, joy and sorrow. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil suggests a choice between two possible trajectories: one toward doing good, and the other toward doing wrong. The world of opposites was created right in The Beginning of our world. The world of light and the world of darkness strongly divided since its inception. It has been up to us to utilize or manipulate the world around us to promote, or to destroy life.
Let's consider water for example. According to scientific research, water makes up 60 - 80 percent of the human body. It also stipulates that we can live up to 21 days without food, but cannot live without water for more than three (m.livescience.com). Yet this same essential water destroys us when we fail to manage it properly. No one in his/ her right mind will go too far in the ocean without the proper gears and the mastery of natation.
Another element vital to our survival is fire. Attractive by its flamboyant color and flame, this divine wonder keeps us warm, cooks our meals, entertains us. Yet, when let out of hands, it becomes deadly and destructive.
A knife, another essential tool, is used across the world in cooking, science, medicine and arts. When used carelessly, this master piece becomes a deadly weapon as well.
The locomotive collection that carries us from the cribs to the graves oftentimes had turned out to be our coffins.
The Internet, this latest discovery, has propelled us beyond our imagination. Yet its dark side so dense and terrifying seems to be taking us faster and deeper towards our decimation.
Reflecting on this simple exercise, I can hear my mother's voice echoing: "drink the wine, respect the bottle". This axiom supports the idea that the source of every thing is a giver or maintainer of life as well as the decider and finisher of life. Consequently, a sacred entity should be approched with respect and reverence. In this light, whatever we use, let us use with respect. Whatever we uproot to consume let us replace. Let us rebuild whatever we destroy in our path, refill whatever we deplete, repair whatever we brake. Let us be mindful of each of our actions, for they are seeds released in the universe.
The way we live our lives testifies of the trails we will leave behind. Remember that whatever one sows, one shall reap. It is up to us to plant seeds of righteousness, or else. Even if the trees of our actions fail to produce fruits during our life span, they will certainly in due time. Our children and those of our children's children will reap the fruits of life, health, joy and happiness. Or they will bear the fruits of death, sickness, misery and bitterness. Our children and the children of the world will dance and rejoice if we consciously individually and collectively make their world a better place. Or, our children and the children of the world will be grinding their teeth if instead we leave them a hellish mess. It is up to us.....
When The Bible evokes God's Word as a sword with two edges, it opens one's mind to the fact that everything in life can converge only towards two different directions. It points out the reality of good and evil, life and death, joy and sorrow. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil suggests a choice between two possible trajectories: one toward doing good, and the other toward doing wrong. The world of opposites was created right in The Beginning of our world. The world of light and the world of darkness strongly divided since its inception. It has been up to us to utilize or manipulate the world around us to promote, or to destroy life.
Let's consider water for example. According to scientific research, water makes up 60 - 80 percent of the human body. It also stipulates that we can live up to 21 days without food, but cannot live without water for more than three (m.livescience.com). Yet this same essential water destroys us when we fail to manage it properly. No one in his/ her right mind will go too far in the ocean without the proper gears and the mastery of natation.
Another element vital to our survival is fire. Attractive by its flamboyant color and flame, this divine wonder keeps us warm, cooks our meals, entertains us. Yet, when let out of hands, it becomes deadly and destructive.
A knife, another essential tool, is used across the world in cooking, science, medicine and arts. When used carelessly, this master piece becomes a deadly weapon as well.
The locomotive collection that carries us from the cribs to the graves oftentimes had turned out to be our coffins.
The Internet, this latest discovery, has propelled us beyond our imagination. Yet its dark side so dense and terrifying seems to be taking us faster and deeper towards our decimation.
Reflecting on this simple exercise, I can hear my mother's voice echoing: "drink the wine, respect the bottle". This axiom supports the idea that the source of every thing is a giver or maintainer of life as well as the decider and finisher of life. Consequently, a sacred entity should be approched with respect and reverence. In this light, whatever we use, let us use with respect. Whatever we uproot to consume let us replace. Let us rebuild whatever we destroy in our path, refill whatever we deplete, repair whatever we brake. Let us be mindful of each of our actions, for they are seeds released in the universe.
The way we live our lives testifies of the trails we will leave behind. Remember that whatever one sows, one shall reap. It is up to us to plant seeds of righteousness, or else. Even if the trees of our actions fail to produce fruits during our life span, they will certainly in due time. Our children and those of our children's children will reap the fruits of life, health, joy and happiness. Or they will bear the fruits of death, sickness, misery and bitterness. Our children and the children of the world will dance and rejoice if we consciously individually and collectively make their world a better place. Or, our children and the children of the world will be grinding their teeth if instead we leave them a hellish mess. It is up to us.....
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Amazingly Renewed
The trials of my life have transformed me from a 'victim' to a victor. I have learned that outward beauty by itself is a shell without essence or substance. That inner beauty on the other hand has the metamorphic power to turn the ugliest outer shell into the most radiant being. I have also come to the understanding that as a caterpillar is given the power to be transformed into a butterfly, all of us have within us the power to spring forth wings of liberty. I have been empowered to never again let my body, this sacred temple, entrusted to me by The Divine, be debased by anyone. Now I know for sure that going through the fire has molded me into this priceless and unique jewel.
Throughout my life I have used different activities (such as arts and crafts, music, singing, dancing) to help me cope with stress and distress. Reading has allowed me to imagine other worlds, kept me dreaming and fantasizing. Yet, nothing has been more instrumental in taking me out of my cocoon than telling the story of my life. Sharing my story has helped me grieve and reconnect with my old self while progressing toward a more refined one.
When I reentered college a few years ago, Dr Shand, my professor in Transitional Nursing, threw the following question up in the air: " Who am I? " All of us, took turns answering the question. Some colleagues spoke of their prowess and accomplishments, others used the opportunity to recognize, affirm, and appreciate the individuals in their lives. When my turn came, I recall my brain swirling and my mouth frozen in fear. My brain at that moment could not produce any beautiful and acceptable memories. Deep inside, I sensed that dragging skeletons out of the closet would disturb the perfect atmosphere. I dreaded what followed next, but had no control whatsoever of the words that flowed from my lips.
"I am Gerthy, I am a mother of five. I have been a registered nurse for 20 years. I am a survivor of domestic violence"....... I voiced.
Then my mouth continued to spout the painful memories as they continued to surface. Deluge of tears and uncontrollable hiccups took over. I became the woman with the issue of blood marinated with the lepers, the lamed, the blind man and the dead man. I was in critical need of resurrection, redemption, and rehabilitation. I poured out whatever toxic mixture that was eating me alive regardless of potential hypocritical, disdainful, or pitiful attitude of the world around me.
I was at that intersection where I could no longer bear the turmoil inside. When I was finally through, a deadly and strange silence lingered over the place, and the box of tissue quietly emptied out. That redemptive exercise had had such an impact on me. From that moment forward I began to crawl slowly through the path of recovery. I began to open my mouth and let my voice echo again.
In my culture it was taught not to expose our dirty laundry to anyone. Therefore, it was quite hard to open up and talk about the rough, edgy, and stormy sea I had to navigate. However, having had those ears listening to my disagreeable conversation at such a crossroad brought comfort to my soul. Stepping out of my shell constricted by decades of fear was vital for me to leap into the vast ocean toward my destiny. I did not care anymore, I needed to stand, walk, run, race, swim, or fly towards God's perfect plan for me.
It has been three years, my wings have gotten stronger. My broken heart is being mended more and more. It is about stepping out of that deadly cocoon stronger and more splendid than I have ever been. In fact, I am glad to reintroduce myself to the world:
"I am Gerthy, I am a precious pearl of an exquisite essence. A strong spear wonderfully and beautifully made by my Creator'. (Psalms 139: 14) I am still a work in progress, for He is not yet done with me."
I am grateful for my kids for they are the crowns of this journey of pain and sacrifices. I am grateful for family and friends for they are the shoulders that upheld me. I am grateful to all my professors who have guided me towards discovering my purpose. Now I am grateful for everyone of you. For you are the energy I was waiting for to tap into my destiny.
God sends us different angels at different times. We need to recognize and acknowledge them.
I am grateful for my daily lessons for they carry their share of blessings. They are seeds of wisdom that, if sown in a readily fertile ground, will blossom exponentially.
Footnote:
My special gratitude to my nursing professors at The College of New Rochelle. Your love, dedication, leadership, mentorship, humility, professionalism, and unselfish sharing have surrounded and supported me through the painful process of rebirth.
Throughout my life I have used different activities (such as arts and crafts, music, singing, dancing) to help me cope with stress and distress. Reading has allowed me to imagine other worlds, kept me dreaming and fantasizing. Yet, nothing has been more instrumental in taking me out of my cocoon than telling the story of my life. Sharing my story has helped me grieve and reconnect with my old self while progressing toward a more refined one.
When I reentered college a few years ago, Dr Shand, my professor in Transitional Nursing, threw the following question up in the air: " Who am I? " All of us, took turns answering the question. Some colleagues spoke of their prowess and accomplishments, others used the opportunity to recognize, affirm, and appreciate the individuals in their lives. When my turn came, I recall my brain swirling and my mouth frozen in fear. My brain at that moment could not produce any beautiful and acceptable memories. Deep inside, I sensed that dragging skeletons out of the closet would disturb the perfect atmosphere. I dreaded what followed next, but had no control whatsoever of the words that flowed from my lips.
"I am Gerthy, I am a mother of five. I have been a registered nurse for 20 years. I am a survivor of domestic violence"....... I voiced.
Then my mouth continued to spout the painful memories as they continued to surface. Deluge of tears and uncontrollable hiccups took over. I became the woman with the issue of blood marinated with the lepers, the lamed, the blind man and the dead man. I was in critical need of resurrection, redemption, and rehabilitation. I poured out whatever toxic mixture that was eating me alive regardless of potential hypocritical, disdainful, or pitiful attitude of the world around me.
I was at that intersection where I could no longer bear the turmoil inside. When I was finally through, a deadly and strange silence lingered over the place, and the box of tissue quietly emptied out. That redemptive exercise had had such an impact on me. From that moment forward I began to crawl slowly through the path of recovery. I began to open my mouth and let my voice echo again.
In my culture it was taught not to expose our dirty laundry to anyone. Therefore, it was quite hard to open up and talk about the rough, edgy, and stormy sea I had to navigate. However, having had those ears listening to my disagreeable conversation at such a crossroad brought comfort to my soul. Stepping out of my shell constricted by decades of fear was vital for me to leap into the vast ocean toward my destiny. I did not care anymore, I needed to stand, walk, run, race, swim, or fly towards God's perfect plan for me.
It has been three years, my wings have gotten stronger. My broken heart is being mended more and more. It is about stepping out of that deadly cocoon stronger and more splendid than I have ever been. In fact, I am glad to reintroduce myself to the world:
"I am Gerthy, I am a precious pearl of an exquisite essence. A strong spear wonderfully and beautifully made by my Creator'. (Psalms 139: 14) I am still a work in progress, for He is not yet done with me."
I am grateful for my kids for they are the crowns of this journey of pain and sacrifices. I am grateful for family and friends for they are the shoulders that upheld me. I am grateful to all my professors who have guided me towards discovering my purpose. Now I am grateful for everyone of you. For you are the energy I was waiting for to tap into my destiny.
God sends us different angels at different times. We need to recognize and acknowledge them.
I am grateful for my daily lessons for they carry their share of blessings. They are seeds of wisdom that, if sown in a readily fertile ground, will blossom exponentially.
Footnote:
My special gratitude to my nursing professors at The College of New Rochelle. Your love, dedication, leadership, mentorship, humility, professionalism, and unselfish sharing have surrounded and supported me through the painful process of rebirth.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Love is ....
God is love.
Love is divine.
Love is the greatest healer.
Love is life.
Love is divine.
Love is eternal bliss.
Love is light.
Love is divine.
Love dissipates darkness.
Love is mercy.
Love is divine.
Love forgives all wrong.
Love is grace.
Love is divine.
Love showers us with peace
Love is kind.
Love is divine.
Love conquers all fears.
Love is free.
Love is divine.
Love sets all captives free.
Love is real.
Love is divine.
Love embraces us all.
Love is divine.
Love is the greatest healer.
Love is life.
Love is divine.
Love is eternal bliss.
Love is light.
Love is divine.
Love dissipates darkness.
Love is mercy.
Love is divine.
Love forgives all wrong.
Love is grace.
Love is divine.
Love showers us with peace
Love is kind.
Love is divine.
Love conquers all fears.
Love is free.
Love is divine.
Love sets all captives free.
Love is real.
Love is divine.
Love embraces us all.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Live Life Fully Every Day
Recently I went into hypertensive crisis. The outpouring of care and love was outstandingly exceptional - from the second I had gestured to my coworker that I was not well to the time of recovery at home. This health scare has taken me on a journey of soul searching and self-discovery.
When I reached the hospital, my stress level and blood pressure remained extremely high. So my ideal expectation was that I would be placed in a quiet and private environment. In reality, in order to be monitored efficiently, I had to be kept in the ER in the midst of all the bright lights, beeping, and swooshing sounds. My bed was wheeled and zipped on the rail across this young, beautiful, and successful woman whose husband was siting quietly by her side. She had checked into the hospital, not for anything major, nor for any particular signs and symptoms, but simply for her peace of mind. She wondered if the zit on her face was a warning of a severe allergic reaction. As soon as I was dropped into my designated spot, I picked up her vibe of disenchantment. Not having the stamina to fight back, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I dismissed that unhealthy way of reacting to what I had perceived as 'her territorial attitude', and started focusing instead on my healing. She was released within an hour later.
Then, just as I began to relax in the room, another patient, a 79-year-old woman, Ms. C, became my new neighbor. Suddenly, I caught myself ironically wearing the villain's hat. I was disappointed that they had brought someone next to me while I needed total peace and quiet. I had forgotten that a few minutes earlier I, myself, was an unwanted neighbor. Ms C. was confident, charismatic, strong, humble, amicable, and stubborn. Sophisticated yet simple, she sat during all her stay with her head tall, a straight posture, and a radiant smile. She was brought in not of her own volition but by strangers who had witnessed her sustain a fall on the street. She could remember everything right before the fall and everything after. She hurt her head but could not remember how, or when it had happened. The medical experts were eager to figure out why. All preliminary tests came back normal except for "some internal bleeding around the affected site", which would require her to stay overnight. Informed that the "bleed" could possibly spread and that as a precaution she needed to stay for the night, she abruptly asked, " .......for what?"
Doctor: as to observe and see if it would become bigger."
Ms. C: "Then what if it's spread?
Doctor: it spreads we would have to perform surgery.
Ms. C: "And what if it doesn't?"
Doctor: it doesn't, you would go home."
Ms. C: "Then, in that case let me go home to kitty, and if spreads, I'll come back for the surgery."
Ms C. was adamant, sweet, and funny at the same time. She pulled me out of my miserable state without effort, by sharing her story. As I motioned that as we get older, there is this increasing need to be careful about how we handle ourselves. She zapped and said with a genuine smile: "don't get old it doesn't pay." As she continued sharing, I realized that she was another one of the many angels that have walked along my path in this journey called life.
Today, as I meditated over my health and the changes that have to occur, Ms C's joyful and brave spirit came to mind. Though I am working on different ways to improve my health, I cannot help but remind myself that we are all just passing through life; we must live every second of it with purpose. The universe is larger and greater than what we can see, and we must encourage and allow ourselves to make the best of each day.
This journey has taught me to live my life fully every day knowing that it might be my last. My health is one of my many treasures. Yet, it can be taken away in thousands of different ways. But love, grace, peace, harmony, joy, happiness, contentment, forgiveness, and fulfillment can never be taken away when I live my life every day to the fullest. Therefore, I will live my life every day as if it were my last mindfully, purposefully, gracefully, gratefully, respectfully, rightfully, righteously, joyfully and wisely.
When I reached the hospital, my stress level and blood pressure remained extremely high. So my ideal expectation was that I would be placed in a quiet and private environment. In reality, in order to be monitored efficiently, I had to be kept in the ER in the midst of all the bright lights, beeping, and swooshing sounds. My bed was wheeled and zipped on the rail across this young, beautiful, and successful woman whose husband was siting quietly by her side. She had checked into the hospital, not for anything major, nor for any particular signs and symptoms, but simply for her peace of mind. She wondered if the zit on her face was a warning of a severe allergic reaction. As soon as I was dropped into my designated spot, I picked up her vibe of disenchantment. Not having the stamina to fight back, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I dismissed that unhealthy way of reacting to what I had perceived as 'her territorial attitude', and started focusing instead on my healing. She was released within an hour later.
Then, just as I began to relax in the room, another patient, a 79-year-old woman, Ms. C, became my new neighbor. Suddenly, I caught myself ironically wearing the villain's hat. I was disappointed that they had brought someone next to me while I needed total peace and quiet. I had forgotten that a few minutes earlier I, myself, was an unwanted neighbor. Ms C. was confident, charismatic, strong, humble, amicable, and stubborn. Sophisticated yet simple, she sat during all her stay with her head tall, a straight posture, and a radiant smile. She was brought in not of her own volition but by strangers who had witnessed her sustain a fall on the street. She could remember everything right before the fall and everything after. She hurt her head but could not remember how, or when it had happened. The medical experts were eager to figure out why. All preliminary tests came back normal except for "some internal bleeding around the affected site", which would require her to stay overnight. Informed that the "bleed" could possibly spread and that as a precaution she needed to stay for the night, she abruptly asked, " .......for what?"
Doctor: as to observe and see if it would become bigger."
Ms. C: "Then what if it's spread?
Doctor: it spreads we would have to perform surgery.
Ms. C: "And what if it doesn't?"
Doctor: it doesn't, you would go home."
Ms. C: "Then, in that case let me go home to kitty, and if spreads, I'll come back for the surgery."
Ms C. was adamant, sweet, and funny at the same time. She pulled me out of my miserable state without effort, by sharing her story. As I motioned that as we get older, there is this increasing need to be careful about how we handle ourselves. She zapped and said with a genuine smile: "don't get old it doesn't pay." As she continued sharing, I realized that she was another one of the many angels that have walked along my path in this journey called life.
Today, as I meditated over my health and the changes that have to occur, Ms C's joyful and brave spirit came to mind. Though I am working on different ways to improve my health, I cannot help but remind myself that we are all just passing through life; we must live every second of it with purpose. The universe is larger and greater than what we can see, and we must encourage and allow ourselves to make the best of each day.
This journey has taught me to live my life fully every day knowing that it might be my last. My health is one of my many treasures. Yet, it can be taken away in thousands of different ways. But love, grace, peace, harmony, joy, happiness, contentment, forgiveness, and fulfillment can never be taken away when I live my life every day to the fullest. Therefore, I will live my life every day as if it were my last mindfully, purposefully, gracefully, gratefully, respectfully, rightfully, righteously, joyfully and wisely.
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