Poetry, memoir,blogs and photographs from my world on the west coast of Canada.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Real Life
This is what a real life looks like:
it's heroic.
Within the space
of four years,
her brother-in-law died
in a logging accident.
Her step-daughter
had a teenage baby
she could not
care for,
that she - his grandma -
is now raising.
Her parents died,
horribly,
together,
in a car accident.
Then her brother died.
Her husband
went back
to drinking.
Then, he left.
Recently, her grandson,
now age four,
has been diagnosed
with autism.
And, bottom line,
what this woman
takes away from all of this
is what a gift
that unexpected baby was,
who traveled with her through
the worst years of her life
and colored her heart
with love.
True story, kids. Just one more pilgrim, on the path.
Not thinking she's doing anything out of the ordinary.
Saving lives.
* puzzle piece symbol created by the National Autistic Society
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This is a lovely story Sherry, heartbreakingly lovely.
ReplyDeleteK
Insightful reminder. The struggles of the common fully lived, is heroic indeed!
ReplyDeleteAnd is she now so aware of the blessing? Thank you for showing this side of heroism, sainthood, normal daily life among the connected!
ReplyDeleteA switch flips,
ReplyDeletethen we are different;
and SURPRISE!
Sometimes UN-reasoningly
happy.
Aloha Blessings
from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
~ > < } } ( ° >
> < 3 3 3 ( ' >
><}}(°> ~
Amazing how much is packed into a life, Sherry!
ReplyDeleteSome people just keep positive through whatever they encounter....somehow. They amaze me. The average person would be beaten down.
ReplyDeleteOh this is such an eye opening story.. we keep complaining about little things and see what a heroic life she leads...thank you for sharing this story....
ReplyDeleteWow. I look at these lives and wonder how I would survive under similar circumstances. Life is a series of heroic acts for some. And some among these live with such joy too. Life is amazing.
ReplyDeleteA test of nerves and resolve of the highest order. There are those facing unfortunate situations but not complaining. How is it there are whiners on the slightest discomfort expecting sympathy from others? Nicely Sherry!
ReplyDeleteHank
So many sad things in a life, if we live long enough we will experience many, too. We are amazing after all.
ReplyDeleteIf it weren't for all the pain, the gifts would not be so sweet.
ReplyDeleteYep, there's a reason for everything... sometimes we just can't see it right away.
ReplyDeleteWhat a strong woman ~ May her child continue to fill her heart and life with blessings and smiles ~
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend ~
Everyday heroes. Human resilience is an amazing thing.
ReplyDelete