[This is a re-print of a FB post from my friend Gina, who like me is a retired amputee FF/EMT. Gina is an amazing person, and when I read her post I asked her if I could reprint it on my blog.. she of course said yes. I keep telling her she needs her own blog, and she says she doesn’t know how.. well, this post says otherwise to me! Enjoy…. N]
I met people with lots of heart, nerve, compassion, and yes, comedic genius these past few days. Everyone has a story, some more horrific than others. But each personal and life changing for them, their families, and friends. They came from 42 states and 3 countries (I believe was the stat) . They came alone, with families, and some even brought pets. All for one purpose. To be bigger than what happened to us. To be connected in our journey. To genuinely feel empathy and gather strength and acceptance in numbers.Those who followed my status’ of thankfulness know I learned to swim again, went to yoga, did a handstand, shower without a chair, met some very profoundly unique people who educated me with language and cultural barriers, and the highlight of my trip…wait for it….I RAN! I ran like the friggin’ wind! It was amazing! It was quite possibly my aha moment to jettison me from here. Pretty sure I’m still high on that feeling tonight.
So, why the picture below you ask? Well, those of you who truly know me, are aware of my “Happenstance” theory that people and events that are MEANT to be connected, are. That events, actions, people, run-ins, whatever…exhibit a bigger picture of connectedness that place happenstance in seemingly unrelated situations all leading to a bigger purpose. Well, the theme of this years event was a Sea of PossAbilities. Get it? Clever on their part, I know! So anyway, there was a little whale placed in everyone’s room, and at the dinner their we’re starfish all over the tables. I took this as confirmation of my theory (as if I needed it).
Remember the story of Jonah and the Whale? Jonah was asked to perform God’s will and warn the Ninevites. A task he evaded, hence being swallowed by the whale. While in the belly of the whale, he was thankful for being saved as he was drowning in the ocean. For 3 days and nights he’s thankful. Never questioning his fate. Not so sure I could be as dedicated, but ultimately the whale spews him out to carry on his work. Now, I’m not incredibly religious or preachy, but I’ve always been fascinated by that particular story and the more complex aspects of why he was intimidated to do what he had to do and why, but found it relative to my moment. Just as freaky, is my understanding of the story of the Starfish. From my teaching days, I remember (as perhaps many of you) the story of how a boy walks along tossing starfish washed upon the beach back into the ocean. A man asks him what he’s doing, explains that the beach is several miles long with hundreds of starfish, and that it won’t make a difference. The boy aptly replies as he picks up another starfish tossing it gently back into the ocean, that it makes a difference to THAT ONE.
Now, I’m not sure what my purpose is exactly. I know I’m a mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, etc. I’ve lost my identity in my career (for now) and spend entirely too much time with chickens. But…if I remain thankful while I anxiously await direction, help those who need saving while on my path, and focus on how the things that lead me here…today…matter now, I’m sure I will be ok. Call it a stretch if you like, but to me…it was dead nuts on. I refuse to compromise who I am because of the limitations I’ve had to face. If the universe has a challenge, I say bring it…and it best wear a cup!