What do you do in the face of adversity? In the wake of an unspeakable tragedy – does anyone really know how he or she will react?
I have faced some of what I thought were insurmountable obstacles in my life. We lost our father when I was 19, and our mother a mere seven years later. While some young people were deciding what career path to choose, and what job they should accept, I was simply trying to maintain a hold on life.
My sister and her amazing family have spent two years trying to find their way through a haze of shock and grief, as they re-shape their family and try to glue together the whole that was ripped open when they lost their son. (May you rest in peace, my love.) I am convinced that they are amazing people as they forge ahead with acceptance and contentment, all the while keeping the knowledge close to their hearts that they will be reunited once again.
Some of you might remember my other little challenge last year, when some folks at my work discovered this little writing project I had fallen in love with. All the while I thought I was anonymous – but I was making some mistakes with names of certain places – like where I worked, etc. It was an amazingly difficult time for me. This blog is really a product of my heart and soul- it’s comprised of thoughts, feelings, experiences, it’s who I am deep inside my soul. It. Is. Me.
I thought long and hard about what direction I was going to take and I made a decision. I realized that I made some mistakes and the only way I could swallow this bitter pill was to have it be a medicine that would make me a better teacher and a better person. I wanted to forgive and move forward with the knowledge that none of us are perfect. We are never where we NEED to be- but it’s the journey that counts, right? I choose to make this journey with a smile, a laugh and the belief that there IS some good in the world. (Right, Mr. Frodo?)
Bitchy and Sassy were shocked that I wasn’t still angry about the whole unfortunate incident when I returned to work this fall. I made it clear to them that I had to use this as a teachable moment. If I didn’t, then I was surely a hypocrite. I teach the children that "every day is a new day, and that we learn from our mistakes." I had to walk the walk.
In the end I discovered another surprising fact of life. All these years I have been thinking and preaching “tragedies and obstacles make you who you are.”
I recently discovered the real truth of the matter.
Those obstacles and tragedies -- they don’t make you who you are, they REVEAL who you are.
And, I’ve decided…I’m pretty proud of that person. Cracks and all.
