We see this horrible stuff in the news all the time. Child hurt/killed/maimed by parent(s). And I feel sick every time. But this young girl I’m talking about — this one I know. Her family is a part of my family. We may be different in some ways but we are the same in one big way.
This young girl (in the news when it happened and this weekend, when she came home), is paralyzed because her father did something so selfish and stupid – that he will spend years behind bars. As well he should.
But this post isn’t about the pain she and her family will endure for the rest of their lives. This post is really about the power of love. Because this is a family who, despite their flaws (and we all freaking have them), they have the love. Love for one another and the love for this beautiful 14 year old girl.
With every challenge in life we wonder: What’s the lesson? Why us? Why this? Sometimes we find the answers and sometimes we don’t. And there’s the bad thing about not knowing the “lesson:” We forget to appreciate each moment until it’s gone. Why? Because we are too busy to say, “Thank you.” Thank you for allowing me to get up and type on a computer. Thank you for the opportunity to feed my kids and myself. Thank you for clean water. Thank you for another day. Thank you for freedom. Thank you. Thank you.
Yesterday, I had the best time I’ve had in months and months. And all I did was go for a walk with the most special person in my life (other than my family). I paid attention to the wind in the trees. The color of the leaves. The people we greeted. And the moments of laughter we had. I was present. It felt like home.
When I read the articles on this young woman, I see her wheelchair and the changes in her. I see that her life is unforgivably changed. But I also see the love and support they have for one another. The moment to moment achievements. The living in the present. And the thankfulness for what they have.
Isn’t that what life is supposed to be all about?
Have a wonderful start to your week.
theyearsafter50 