Relief
There is this woman who runs the daycare that I take my nephew to. She is a lovely woman with a kind heart. She is also very spiritual. She knows of the whole ordeal with my family and constantly says, she will pray for us.
Yesterday, I wanted to speak with her briefly, but she seemed preoccupied. Finally I was able to get a hold of her and she apologized and said that her husband had just arrived home from his trip to India. By the expression on her face, I could tell that she was relieved to have him home safely. I told her I was glad to hear that her husband made it home safely.... and then I found out why she was so relieved.
For the majority of us, we sigh in relief when we know our family has made a trip successfully. Parents constantly worry about their children and their where abouts. It is a natural concern. However, for this woman, it is a greater concern. Years ago, her husband took a trip to India to visit his family (their whole family is from India). She had children, so she did not go. Then she learned that her husband was aboard that notorious Pan Am Flight that was hijacked. With more than 400 passangers aboard, many of which were Americans (her husband included), the passengers were shot to death. In the brief 5 minute conversation that I had with this spiritual woman, she managed to stay in my thoughts all day and night... she and her family. She went on to tell me more. Of the 400+ passengers, only 20 some odd passengers survived, her husband being one of them. Apparently the terrorists were after the American passports, so many of the passengers tried to hide them. I believe she said that those people were executed right away. Her husband was shot at numerous times, and has the scars to prove it, however he survived.
I am blown away by all of this. Not necessarily from the hijacking, but moreso because this man survived when he should have been dead. It makes me peel away those blinders I love to hide under. Ignorance is bliss, right? If I don't know, it won't hurt me. This is hardly the case. Life is full of terrifying events, hurt, and evil. If we live under this blanket that shelters us and makes us feel comfortable, all the while, we avoid seeing the bad things in life, are we really doing ourselves a favor? If the bad things in life did not exist, would we know to appreciate the good things?
In any case, the joy and relief in this womans face yesterday will be forever engraved in my mind. And although I would never want to experience the heartache and torment that this woman has gone through, I can imagine that the love and happiness that this woman experiences is far greater than that of the average person. Maybe because she is thankful for EVERYTHING... the good and the bad. She has experieced it, accepted it, and is grateful for the little things in every way, shape , or form.
I can imagine that when he arrived home, she put her arms around him and never wanted to let him go.
My thoughts are these...
We are blessed with the life experiences that lend us a helping hand in our path in life. People who experience more of the bad in life are blessed even more than the people who experience much of the good that life has to offer. Why? Even though "life is a bitch, and then we die," our life trials are what make us stronger and more appreciative in the long run. Because when it is good, it is damn good.
At least, I am hoping. :)
Yesterday, I wanted to speak with her briefly, but she seemed preoccupied. Finally I was able to get a hold of her and she apologized and said that her husband had just arrived home from his trip to India. By the expression on her face, I could tell that she was relieved to have him home safely. I told her I was glad to hear that her husband made it home safely.... and then I found out why she was so relieved.
For the majority of us, we sigh in relief when we know our family has made a trip successfully. Parents constantly worry about their children and their where abouts. It is a natural concern. However, for this woman, it is a greater concern. Years ago, her husband took a trip to India to visit his family (their whole family is from India). She had children, so she did not go. Then she learned that her husband was aboard that notorious Pan Am Flight that was hijacked. With more than 400 passangers aboard, many of which were Americans (her husband included), the passengers were shot to death. In the brief 5 minute conversation that I had with this spiritual woman, she managed to stay in my thoughts all day and night... she and her family. She went on to tell me more. Of the 400+ passengers, only 20 some odd passengers survived, her husband being one of them. Apparently the terrorists were after the American passports, so many of the passengers tried to hide them. I believe she said that those people were executed right away. Her husband was shot at numerous times, and has the scars to prove it, however he survived.
I am blown away by all of this. Not necessarily from the hijacking, but moreso because this man survived when he should have been dead. It makes me peel away those blinders I love to hide under. Ignorance is bliss, right? If I don't know, it won't hurt me. This is hardly the case. Life is full of terrifying events, hurt, and evil. If we live under this blanket that shelters us and makes us feel comfortable, all the while, we avoid seeing the bad things in life, are we really doing ourselves a favor? If the bad things in life did not exist, would we know to appreciate the good things?
In any case, the joy and relief in this womans face yesterday will be forever engraved in my mind. And although I would never want to experience the heartache and torment that this woman has gone through, I can imagine that the love and happiness that this woman experiences is far greater than that of the average person. Maybe because she is thankful for EVERYTHING... the good and the bad. She has experieced it, accepted it, and is grateful for the little things in every way, shape , or form.
I can imagine that when he arrived home, she put her arms around him and never wanted to let him go.
My thoughts are these...
We are blessed with the life experiences that lend us a helping hand in our path in life. People who experience more of the bad in life are blessed even more than the people who experience much of the good that life has to offer. Why? Even though "life is a bitch, and then we die," our life trials are what make us stronger and more appreciative in the long run. Because when it is good, it is damn good.
At least, I am hoping. :)
posted by Jenn & John at 12:03 PM
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