Reflections

Lately I have been thinking about life, about how hard or easy it can be. How we go through moments where we think that we just can't take another blow to our spirit, our finances, our loves.

As of late, I have come upon some hard times. In confronting them, I have had time to reflect on what led up to them, and how to resolve them, and how to avoid them in the future. But what of those who can't avoid hardships? Where does their strength come from? One such family comes to mind.

These are people whom I once had a working relationship with. The mom was a co-worker, who, in time, became a friend. She alone has come through some very hard times with her own health, from cysts on the brain, to losing her foot in a freak accident. Now, within the last year, she has had to go through the pain and stress of one of her children fighting cancer, and losing a leg from it. And again, she has cysts on her brain.

I have watched her husband be strong, and keep the rest of the family together through the months of therapy that kept them separated, and still keep his business going strong. I have seen him cry, but through those tears, he smiled, because he had Faith. He wouldn't admit defeat. None of them would. I am awe inspired by them. And my problems seem insignificant when I think of them on the grand scale of issues to deal with.

Did I mention that the child that battled cancer, lost his leg, ran (yes, he ran) in the Pole, Peddle, Paddle this year! What an accomplishment. What a role model he has in his mother and father. They encouraged him to do this, never once doubting that he couldn't. Not only did he compete, but his team was the first to cross the finish line in their bracket. I am so proud of him, to come so far. It always brings tears to my eyes when I think of it.

Never give up. Always keep your eye on the goal, the prize at the end. Whether it be getting on your feet again, crossing that finish line, or regaining something lost. I have learned so much from this family. I have become a better person because I have been blessed with their friendship, and the friendship of others I have known for years. To all of you, I say thank you. Thank you for your support, for you love, for being you. Just.....thank you.