My hope,...

When I sit down to write something for my blog, I usually take a quick perusal of FB to see what's going on in the lives of my loved ones near and far. I like the snap shot and opportunities FB provides. It can be whatever you choose for it to be. I choose to see the things that: inspire me, create good feelings within me and provide opportunities for growth and connection. I tend to skip the stuff that seems like it might create opposing feelings.

Today (Sunday January 12, 2014) when I opened the FB window to the world around me I discovered a friend of mine had posted a link to a blog entitled, Three words that can change the way you feel, and it served as a great reminder. The author of that particular blog survived cardiac arrest, but also survived death, not too many of us can say that or even want the opportunity to experience it, but you can only imagine how your previous, "have to's" would easily turn into, "get to's". I feel like I am a pretty grateful person and I thanked my friend, Judy, for posting the link on her FB. I also mentioned in my response that I am grateful to be as grateful as I am without having to experience a return from death situation.

I just saw Judy on Saturday at little birthday thing and I didn't know it but, she hadn't been giving out hugs because she has been sick. Guess when I found out,... After I sat beside her for the majority of the gathering and as I was hugging her goodbye. Do you think this new information cut our hug session short? If you said, Oh hell yes! Then #1 you clearly don't know me or #2 you're some kind of weirdo germ phobe. The answer is No, it did not cut our hugging session short and do you know why? #1 because I love my friend Judy and #2 because I don't believe in germs. I know it's an unconventional thought process, but that's just me. Also, I believe a hug is warmer when you're in it. What if, for some godforsaken reason I never got to see Judy again, I would be kicking myself for not hugging her the last time I saw her because of some stupid "fear" of germs. Besides as much juice as I have been drinking lately, even if I did get exposed to some germs, I'd be flushing them out faster than they would have a chance to do any damage anyway.

So, what the heck is the point? The point is that today's viewfinder AKA Facebook provided an opportunity for me to share feelings of gratitude, inspired me to write about it and hopefully provided an opportunity for someone else to feel inspired, connected and loved. It also provided an opportunity for me to reflect on 2013 and I can't help but wonder about my niece Audra. How has her life changing experience changed her perspective? I. can. not. even. imagine. My hope is that she has discovered a strength within herself that she never dreamed was possible. My hope is that despite her challenges, whether they are regular old college life things or related to her health that she knows she has support from people that love her more than she could even imagine. My hope is that she takes this crazy thing we call life and takes herself to the edge of glory. My hope is that she chases her passions with a red hot burning desire. My hope is that she feels love, deep powerful love that takes her breath away. My hope is that she knows I am pulling for her. These things make me feel good. I am grateful to have an opportunity to have these feelings and that I am able to share these feelings.