When I had the stroke, I was no longer working, but I still had medical insurance through COBRA. And my husband had just landed a good contract.
And yet I know people without medical insurance or a job.
My parents are still alive and active. My father stayed with me the first month I was home and my mom drove me to endless medical appointments.
And yet my brother-in-law, cousins and three high school friends
have lost a parent in the last year.
I live in a beautiful, handicap-accessible house, and employ a maid and gardener.
And yet I hear of those who cannot afford to stay in their homes.
I have friends who believe in service to others as a way of life. For months, they filled my refrigerator with meals.
And yet I see people on the street asking strangers for food.
I know parents struggling to raise their kids; and I have young people in my life who give me great joy.
And yet I have no children dependent on me.
If this had to happen to someone, it's best that it happened to me.
"Strength of heart comes from knowing that the pain we each must bear is a part of the greater pain shared by all that lives.
It is not just our pain but the pain."
– Jack Kornfield
What a fantastic outlook you have, Marcie. I've said it before, but you are really an inspiration! None of us know why bad things happen to good people or why good things happen to bad people (or who decides who is good and who is bad?). I guess it's just life and how we react to what is given to us makes us who we are.
ReplyDeleteMy mom has endured several tragedies in her 72 years of life and yet overall, she feels lucky for the life she's lead -- even though, at times, she's wondered how she would survive. I think it's through her sense of humor, her strength and her ability to see others who have had it worse than her, that make her the wonderful, loving person she is.
You reminded me of my mom, in your grit to survive and thrive through adversity when you could just as easily give up and cry, "Why me?" (of course, some days, that's exactly what you need to do, in order to keep going)
Keep up the good work -- I think you're amazing!
Hey Marcelle: This one is an inspiration. Thanks, Barb
ReplyDeleteWriting a gratitude list at the end of each day keeps me focused on all the wonderful things I have. I totally agree that what we choose to focus on helps script our stroke experience.
ReplyDeleteIt was not more than you could handle.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I tell my dad that, if you're going to have a stroke, mid-life is the time to do it. Sometime I even believe myself!
ReplyDeleteDo you mind if I put your blog on my blog list?
Of course, Grace. I'd be honored. Thanks for asking.
ReplyDelete