By Chloe DiVita
…to appreciate what we have. To find strength in those things which hinder our spirit.
Back in the beginning I said this was a business blog with a personal touch. Today is a personal touch, but our personal emotions tend to directly affect our business matters, so in that respect please take this to work with you today.
I look today to this picture of myself and Leigh from my bridal shower. Leigh, for those of you who do not know, is my sister-in-law/best-friend who is dying of brain cancer. Last Friday we were told she probably had 2 – 4 weeks of life left. Not that the life she is living is one anyone in their right mind would want to live for 1 day, much less 4 weeks.
Regardless, it is her picture from a time when there was more hope, more happiness, and more life, that is making me appreciate all that I have. I have my health, my family, my friends, a thriving business, my mind, and worries she is envious of. I find strength in Leigh by knowing she would not want me wallowing in my compassion for her. She would not want my life to come to halt because of the status of hers. She would want me to remember how lucky I am, and to live my life to the fullest.
So I will continue to look to this picture of Leigh, and remember just how fortunate I am. I let go of my anger and frustration of what she has had to go through battling brain cancer for the past 4 years, of my hurt that I am going to miss her, of my fear for what lies ahead for her, and I appreciate what I have. For her. She no longer has the ability to do much of anything, so for her, I remember what I have.
What do you have?
Chloe,
I do admire your compassion, as well as your willingness to see all sides of Leigh's picture, while holding yourself in a position of gratitude and love. You two have been fortunate to know one another.
Posted by: Dick Richards | August 25, 2006 at 09:15 AM
Thank you Dick. I too feel Leigh & I have been fortunate to know each other. I have learned so much from her without her even trying to teach. I can only hope that at some point in everyone's life, they meet a Leigh, feel inspired, and better themselves because of that person. Chloe
Posted by: Chloe | August 25, 2006 at 07:22 PM