Think Happy Thoughts

There seems to be no escape from all the negativity and sadness right now in the world.  Perhaps there really isn't or  shouldn't be an escape.  We can't turn a blind eye, and we need to be made aware of what is going on; still I'm looking for good news ... somewhere..anywhere...  Believe it or not, there are seemingly "happy" things occurring from all this mess--families reuniting..the love and concern pouring in to the victims; this is a positive thing. 

I'm an optimistic person.  I tend to see the positive before the negative; which can come across as a little foolish, and naive at times-but, that is just who I am.  I see the glass half full versus half empty.  I'm not saying that is necessarily the BEST way to see life, but during these times, it is important--RIGHT?

 I just said goodbye to my supervisor who I share an office with.  She is going to get her first treatment of  chemo for her breast cancer, and of course she is scared to death.

This is bringing up a lot of memories.  I remember clearly a few years ago, the day my father went in for his first treatment.  Of course I could only imagine the fears that were running through his mind, and I confess as I sat there, with my sister, and my mom  watching them place the IV in his arm, I was praying inside for him to be cured--crying inside, while at the same time, smiling at him with a reassuring smile, reciting Hail Marys to myself in silence.  I told my supervisor that it wasn't going to be that bad, and she would be okay.  I reassurred her that she wasn't going to be in some dark basement somewhere that smelled like moth balls and old people.  She is going to the same doctor as my father went to, and I was able to describe the little area that is set up, and the atmosphere, and she seemed a little more relieved.  I hope she had a little peace of mind anyway.  She has a 95% chance of recovery...thank God there is hope for her! 

There is always HOPE however. 

Barbara Bush was quoted saying that this disaster was going to benefit the people that were living below proverty level before the hurricane.  I have thought about this comment a lot during the past few days, and she is probably right at some level.  It just strikes me sad that it had to take a natural disaster for these people to be recognized.  The "forgotton" people of this nation are now on the news, everyday and their stories are being heard.  Emotionally however, how will this devastion that  many of these people have experienced  affect them later?  We've heard of many people, including public servants, actually becoming so overcome by grief that they are killing themselves and other people.  A home can be replaced, as well as all material things.  Dreams can still prevail with ones who still possess hope and dare to dream again.  It is true that lost loved ones can never be replaced from a heart, but there is always hope that they are in peace with their God.  

"Blessed are those who have not seen, yet still believe!" 

We must not lose hope, and we must continue to dream, inspire, love, and believe!