There is a big however, however. (giggle)
I am surrounded by an incredible, amazing, brilliant aura of love and
support that is indefatigable. This
network includes childhood friends from growing up in the Bronx. My beloved cousin Steve, a stable, affectionate
presence since I was born. Classmates
ranging from grade school to grad school.
Friends from my days as a young mother and La Leche League leader. Friends from a lifetime of jobs, notably B.
Dalton Books, The Asbury Park Press, teaching childbirth classes at Jersey
Shore Medical Center, Healthnet.
Friendships that grew through our children’s friendships. Friends from church. Friends who used to be neighbors. Friends
I met through other friends. Fellow
writers. These are true friends, not acquaintances. These are people who have cried with me and
for me, joined in prayer with me, laughed with me, shared their love and lives
and individual gifts with me. Most
importantly, these are people who have never let me forget I am loved. They bring light and joy to me as
effortlessly as you would take a breath.
And when I express amazement and gratitude at their friendship, they
express amazement that I am surprised.
It is a funny, continuous circle of “You love me?!?! But why?!?
You are the one who is wonderful.
No, you are the one who is wonderful!
No, you are the one who is wonderful!”
And on and on.
Make no mistake, I have many, many low moments. I am no Pollyanna. Constant pain is overwhelming and can
obliterate all sensible thought. Fear of
the unknown, of the future, or of the lack of a future, sneaks up on me, leaving
me breathless and sick to my stomach. Thinking of the losses I’ve experienced can
make me bitter and full of self pity. Animosity from
people I love has been astonishing and heartbreaking. There are many desperately down times and I
have to struggle awfully hard to rise up.
Some days I barely make it. But
awareness of the incredible affection and sincerity of the dear ones around me
holds me up, keeping me from sinking completely. I know it sounds corny, and the phrase has
been in more than a few song lyrics, but they give me the strength to keep
going when there is so much threatening to drag me down.
It is the dedication of all these remarkable people that
gives me the capacity to say I have SO much to be thankful for. Because I truly do. I hope all of you reading this have as much
to be grateful for as I do.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
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| 1 Corinthians 13:8 |
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4 comments:
Marie, just keep in mind that when it is your time it is your time and just enjoy each day as best you can. That is all there is to it. I know pain sucks. Find a happy place and go there. Train your mind to go there. You can do it.
Happy Thanksgiving.
You lift me up. Happy Thanksgiving.
A lot of people will be carrying you in their hearts.
Thank you for writing such beautiful posts.
Wallow away, my dear. You've earned a little wallowing and it's good for the soul. Then when you're done, shake it off and go on. You are always in my prayers.
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