The Perfect Storm

This year has passed so quickly! I look back and remember all of pain, loneliness, depression and confusion and tears. In the next breath, almost as whisper I see some of the laughs, the joys, the triumphs. I see where I had fallen and I see where my Lord helped me to my feet and placed the cross on his own shoulders. How small is my pain when compared to his? I also see my friends, no, not the ones that are friends by word only, but the caring,, loving and supportive friends whom give me their strength to lean on when I can no longer stand. I see the majestic actions of my care giver, my best friend and wife. She certainly has help carry me putting her needs second. I know she cries when she is alone, afraid and prayerfully asking for strength. As I prepare for the upcoming holidays, knowing they could very easily be my last, I remember that is true of a lot of people, ill and well alike.

Indeed, I ponder this Thanksgiving and the old question about what we are thankful for. I know already what I am I thankful for. I am thankful for all of it, the pain, joy, depression, triumphs and failures, the confusion and the clarity, my faith, my Lord and Master and all the angels and saints, friends and family whom refuse to let go of me even when I would prefer it. I am so utterly thankful for my friend, my love, my wife. She has stood when I could not, held me when I could not, fought for us when I could not and she makes me laugh regardless how dark the world may seem to me.

I am thankful for 2009 and hope and pray that I can see and enjoy my life even fuller in 2010! TIme to enter into the holidays with a sense of value, faith and heart filled with compassion.



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