True story: A high school friend came to visit. We had not seen each other in 20 years. We have changed obviously, me more than she, as I am the one that left the city where we grew up. I said you let your hair go grey, she said no I didn’t, “it just is”. Every month when I get my hair colored to cover the grey roots I think of that, for a second, then move forward with what will not be grey. But it forced me to ponder and appreciate the things that just are in my life, like: core values that guide my actions, relationships and friendships that have endured over time, passionate pursuit of worthy goals, the joy brought by simple things, spring flowers, a picture of a new baby, a smile from a stranger at the grocery store. Think about it, it will work for you too.
True story: My mother went to the doctor for a minor ailment. She was prescribed a dosage of an essential vitamin with no blood test. After a few days she noticed a loss of muscle control so much so that she fell several times, once leaving her unconscious. My sister, a nurse for over 30 years, was out of town when the incident happened. Upon her return she went directly to see my mother at home. Within a few minutes she made a diagnosis that the prescription she was given was wrong and they need to go to urgent care immediately to have it checked out. A blood test revealed my sister, the nurse, was right. My mother was admitted to the hospital for a few days to stabilize her body chemicals and is now recovering. My mom said we’re lucky to have her, your sister. Yes, and lucky she found her calling and has the confidence to make a decision and act on it, not everybody would. Some might assume the doctor was right. Often I think I can do everything myself, but the truth is I, like everyone, need experts in my life for finances, health, fitness, socialization, technical support, etc., so I can do what I do best. I honor the uniqueness in other people and the enrichment they bring to my life. We’re lucky to have our nurse in the family. I honor her and all the others that make me a more peaceful person because I don’t have to be an expert at everything. Try it, it will work for you too.
True Story: Following a power outage I had to have my home alarm replaced as the power surge following the outage blew out the alarm panel. The guys came to fix it and told me it would be a 6 hour job. 5 hours into it, they show me some wiring issue they can’t figure out and ask me what to do. I said “if I knew I would have done this whole job myself and wouldn’t need you.” Looking at them I smiled and said “If you can’t figure it out, reverse everything you have been doing for the last 5 hours and put it back to its original state (broken) and I will get someone else to do the job.” I walked away. Within 20 minutes, the job was completed and I had a new alarm system. Hmmm…I am making sure to embrace my challenges and not shift the responsibility to anyone else! We all need motivation, encouragement, an inner boost, not just sometimes, daily.
True story: If you have been following my stories you know that my dear 99 year old grandmother passed at the end of 2011. We have the same name, she and I, first and last. A long time friend saw the obituary in the newspaper and on first blush thought it was me. After reading on she realized it was not, but it was the impetus for her to reach out to me, send condolences, and see how I am doing. It made me think about what if it had been me. What have I been putting off, and I don’t mean the usual stuff like exercise consistently, quit my “vices”, clean the garage, etc. I mean the important things like connecting with family and friends, giving back in a meaningful way for all of the many opportunities I have had in my life. No more waiting. I might miss the opportunity to tell special people how much I appreciate them. How about you? Try it, it will work for you too.
As 2011 came to a close, I reflected on the wins and losses, there is much to be grateful for. However the end of the year brought the passing of my beloved grandmother. For all who have lost someone this year. I offer this poem:
In Loving Memory…
We thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday,
and the day before that too.
We think of you with silence we
often speak your name,
All we have now are memories
and your picture in a frame.
Your memories are our keepsakes
with which we’ll never part.
God has you in his keeping,
we have you in our hearts.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you did not go alone,
A part of us went with you the
day God called you home.
(Author unknown)
True story: people pick their own time to let go, honor it, and find peace in your own heart.
Happy New Year!
