Every Day, I am Reminded

Today, I met an amazing woman! A woman who is chronically ill and disabled and who lost her husband to a horrible and devastating cancer only two weeks ago while she was in the hospital, where she almost lost her life. I thought my visit with her would be a bit sad. Nope! This amazing lady was an inspiration for living life for the right reasons. She was full of hope and wisdom and memories and gratitude. She readily admits, she may be living in a bit of denial, so she is also amazingly self aware. Still, I was in awe! This wonderful woman has been bed-bound for over a year after a series of unfortunate medical events and probable medical errors. Yet, she is nothing but positive, happy, and finds joy and good in every moment. She has an amazing appreciation for her family, especially her son, who lovingly cared for her dying husband, her daughter and son in law who were staying in her home during this family tragedy, her paid caregiver, who is obviously a well trusted friend and confidant, and her very good and supportive friends. . She told stories that she remembered about the nurses that cared for her during her hospitalization, she knew about their personal lives because she cared enough to ask. How can you be that unselfish through a traumatic health crises and knowing your husband is dying while you are lying helpless in a hospital bed. She is also committed to getting well, despite numerous setbacks, new medical diagnoses, and very significant chronic pain and suffering. WOW!!!! I was inspired, impressed, amazed at this woman’s fortitude, gratitude, and unbelievable perspective. She knows what matters in life. She and her husband lived large while they could, travelled, enjoyed time with family, with each other, loved, laughed, cried, held hands, gave back, and paid their good fortune forward. They have been wonderfully generous. Despite tragedy and sadness and personal pain and suffering, this amazing woman rises above it all and inspires by her innate goodness. I hope to be as courageous and as strong as she is if I am ever faced with the difficulties she copes with on a daily basis.

Thank you for the reminder today that life is to be lived with gusto, love, abandon, love of family and friends, and most importantly, gratitude. Today, I am truly grateful!