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HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN
It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.
While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.! The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health.
He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.
I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'
He smiled as he patted my hand and said,
'She doesn't know me, but I STILL KNOW WHO SHE IS.'
I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'
True love is neither physical, nor romantic.
True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
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All of my adult life, I have tried to live by the statement which is printed at the top of my blog. Here it is for you to read again: "Life is all about choices and attitude. Make the right choices, keep a positive attitude-- and you will find joy through all of your ups and downs. "
How do you get through the 'storms' of life? Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.
Hugs,
42 comments:
You have me in tears this morning!
I recently read a blog that was comparing the word "happy" to the word "joy", and I remembered hearing a minister talk once about life isn't about you being 'happy' (kind of external and shallow) all the time, but having the deep seeded joy in all circumstances, that does allow you to get thru the rough spots and 'dance in the rain'.
Have a great weekend!
Acceptance then gratefulness then pray.
Just knowing that grace is there available... and that no matter what happens, it's happened. Though there is little you can do to change it, you DO have the choice in whether it makes you stronger or destroys you. It's all within our choice, isn't it? :c) I love your outlook Betsy!
The garden does it for me, Betsy. I can go there and in a few minutes the storms of life melt away and I am in another world for a time. Sometimes it is the beauty of nature that nurtures me and sometimes it is physical labor that relieves my stress. I always, however, return from the garden refreshed.
Thanks for this poignant story.
Writing in my journal ... watching the sun rise ... and walking Molly on the beach work wonders for me ;-)
Hugs and blessings,
Wonderful story, Betsy! I agree with your statement 100%. You can't change what happens to you, but you do have control over how you react to it. Enjoy your day. :)
Uplifting story and certainly needed with all of this bad news!
God spoke to both of us as I posted a story about rain too and then came over to visit you. Thank you for sharing your story. God is Amazing. Have a blessed weekend
Beautiful.I needed to read that this morning and be reminded that there is still a rainbow on the other side of the storm.Thanks again.
Blessings,Ruth
What a lovely story, Betsy! It brought tears to my eyes. Unconditional love is a rare and beautiful gift---how blessed are those that find it. Thank you for sharing such a special love story.
What a lovely and moving story. It will be a joyous day when a cure for Alzheimer's is found.
I get through the storms of life with a good friend by my side, she has been there for me through every imaginable circumstance. She even is with me when times are good. Her name is Faith.
Enjoy your day.
Sunny :)
Thank you for this beautiful post, Betsy.
That's a beautiful story. And I love your attitude, which has been my philosophy, too. Keeping positive will help a person weather a lot of storms.
I enjoyed this.
What a wonderful story Betsy. It is hard to weather these storms sometimes...but what other choice do we have????
I've heard this story before, Betsy, but it bears repeating. Thanks.
That's a wonderful quote to live by, Betsy. Beautiful post today!
Betsy, thats a very beautiful and touching story , and a eye catching post.
My Mother Had Alzheimer's for 5 yrs and didnt know anyone.
I would like to award you My Feather in your Cap Award for this post.
Could you email me your email please - so I could send this to you - thanks Betsy.
Betsy,
Thank you for this uplifting story. I sure needed this today after all the tragedy at Ft. Hood. Have a blessed weekend.
I have seen this numerous times and love it every time I read it.
I guess we all wish for someone to love us this much...
Found your blog today & LOVE it!! I love the scenery pics (I have been to Pigeon Forge & LOVE it!) Alos I like birds too....just a new hobby for me tho'! DH son lives in TN too!!
I can say that I have danced in the rain literally, but this is a wonderful reminder to be able to dance figuratively as well.
I'm grateful for getting to know you through blogging!
Great story, Betsy. That is why I kept my husband home and cared for him while he was ill the last 5 years of his life. We do these things out of love.
MB
My dear Betsy this was so uplifting today, especially with the two terrible tragedies that happened this week. Your story made my eyes brim with tears...thank you, thank you!
That is the kind of love my parents had. After my Mom's multitude of strokes left her in a vegetative state, my Dad went to have dinner with her every night.
She no longer recognized us and could not communicate in any way but still he went - every day, for years. Makes me cry to think about it even now, 25+ years later.
I work in a nursing home and talk all day with residents who have dementia of various types. Many times a resident will say, "I'm sorry, I don't know who you are - or I don't remember you." My usual answer for years has been, "You know, it doesn't much matter whether you know who I am. What's more important is that I know who you are." Then we go through the introductions again and I tell them wonderful things I've heard about them. I am so blessed daily in seeing many, many folks - spouses, siblings, children, and friends - who are like the gentleman in your story.
It is lovely to hear good feel stories after so many bad feel stories in the news. I like to dance in the rain as you saw on my post. I also read a great article about resilience rather than stoicism makes us stronger. "..resilience asks us to bend-be a willow rather than an oak. Resilience enables us to bounce back from adversity, and often makes us stronger, as a result"
Love is the energy of life. I truly understand and appreciate how this man felt. We all have choices which makes out life what it is. I agree with you 100%. Happy you stopped by. Tell George hello and will see him soon.
Besty the Fort Hood tragedy was so sad. I lost my Dad in a similar way when I was a teenager,so incidents like these alway bring back all our personal feelings of horrot and disbelief. The survivors have to go and live life the best way they know possible, as that is the best way to honor those that they lost.
This story was very touhing. It reminds me of one of our favorite movies: "The Notebook"
Hugs, Pat
I love it. We have been dancing in the rain alot latelt but the Lord is bring on the sunshine!!!....hugs...m.
I have seen this before but it is always worth reading again. It is a nice reminder of what is important.
True love is the hardest thing to find, the most precious. It makes you laugh and cry simultaneously, in moments and for a lifetime. That is a good story.
very wise words. i love your new header picture btw. have never eaten corn that colour. does it taste different?
this is such a sweet story
our world is a mixed bag of behavior! Thank you for sharing some beauty!
Beautiful shot and lovely post !!Unseen Rajasthan
What a wonderful story Betsy, I got a goose bump or two reading that one.
I agree with you totally, a positive attitude makes all the difference in the world. And I love to dance in the rain.
Hugs,
Judy
Great story. I love dancing in the rain, literally and figuratively. If you want to do something more concrete in response to the Ft. Hood, I include information about how to do that at the top of my sidebar on www.blestatheist.com. (Just a thought.)
I missed bloggin yesterday and almost missed this post. I am glad i did not. I agree with your last comment 100 % and this is what i have on the top of my blog and it goes with making right choices.
And as you would like and desire that men would do to you, do exactly so to them. Luke 6:31
I missed bloggin yesterday and almost missed this post. I am glad i did not. I agree with your last comment 100 % and this is what i have on the top of my blog and it goes with making right choices.
And as you would like and desire that men would do to you, do exactly so to them. Luke 6:31
Thanks Betsy. I think this was just what I needed to read. I have been kinda down in the dumps lately.
What a sweet story.
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