Listening to the Messages Given...

Years ago, I was standing out in our back yard watching a beautiful thunderstorm come in from the southwest.  I had a cigarette in my hand which at that time was an almost constant.  Watching the flashes of light followed by the booming of the inevitable thunder  I inwardly said, “Wow, that’s beautifull”.

Right then, from somewhere over my shoulder a voice very calmly said,  in almost a whisper, “yea, I hope your around for the next one.” 

It was so clear, so close, so definite, but at the same time so obvious what it meant that there was only one thing to do?  I looked at the cigarette then another look at the thunderstorm approaching overhead.   I took one last draw of the crutch I had allowed to take over my life and dropping it to the ground,   I took back my life.  I’m not saying that it was easy, it wasn’t, but I did it.  That was almost 24 years ago. 

Recently, while driving us home from picking my wife's Mom and Dad up at the airport  I  listened to my family’s laughter and excitement of being together. I was thinking about all the different things my family is about to go through with my illness and how important it is for us  to share these times together.

 Right then, that voice spoke again.  The same voice, still mellow, over the same shoulder and just as clear as the first time 24 years ago. But this time it said “Yea, now let’s make sure your around for many more.”   

Well, where did that come from?   Again, the answer was so obvious.  I’m going to look at this sign in a positive way.  Of course I’m going to be around,  of course I’m going to do everything possible to be here, because my family needs me.  My family deserves to enjoy life in the best ways we can.  

This year, reach out and let your family know how much they mean to each of you.   Our love and compassion for each other can be the best way to show each other how important they are to us. 

Onward Thru the Fog...