In my life, I have always been surrounded by Angels. My husband's name is Angel. In moments of great sorrow, I swear I have been visited by Angels. Many of my friends are Angels. And, I am confident, my dog is just an Angel with fur.
It's been said Angels wear a multitude of disguises. One day, they are a beggar. The next, they are a child. The next, they are butterflies, thoughts, or birds. Yesterday, I actually got a glimpse of an Angel. Her name is Laina and we were introduced in the most surprising way, via letter in the US mail.
Laina lives in Denmark and found this blog via another blog about a month ago. She, like so many folks, faces her own struggles in life. She, unlike many folks, puts aside her struggles to make a difference for others.
Without getting into specifics, Laina wrote to me after watching my video Day 82:Tired of Being Sick (a video I REALLY debated about whether to post or not). She was concerned and wanted to reach out. Among her words, I found encouragement, love, and support.
In her letter, she reminded me of something important...something I hadn't really considered. "I think you're grieving," she said. "Perhaps mourning life as you knew it?"
In that moment, I knew she was right.
I am grieving. I miss me. I miss my old life. I miss the illusion of promised tomorrows and I'm upset about it.
Her timing was impeccable. The day before, I just discussed Emerson's Law of Spiritual Gravitation and was in the middle of writing about my struggles with isolation and illness. I had also just finished reading a beautiful adaptation of the It's Gets Better campaign written for Lyme sufferers and, as the article references, was looking for "the friend pulling gluten free crackers out of her purse."
I don't know what will come of my new friendship with Laina: if we will meet, if we will keep in touch, or if we will ever speak again. What do I know? My life has been profoundly altered by an act of kindness delivered from more than 4,000 miles away.
Altered Today: What I was originally going to write about. Faith in good people and good things. Appreciation for what I have. Thoughts about writing and the difference we all can make with a few simple words.
My eyes are filled with tears. I am absolutely speechless right now. I am overjoyed that you were able to find some comfort in my letter.
Posted by: Laina | 03/04/2011 at 03:31 AM
Laina,
Not only did you make a difference for me. You made a difference for countless others. The day that I posted this, several other people emailed to thank me because, through your letter, they also realized they were grieving.
"Somehow putting a name to what I was experiencing helped," one wrote.
"Through your post I could see, I miss the old me too," said another.
Laina, your words are a gift to the world. You should consider using them more often.
Love for sunny, pretty Florida, Kathy
Posted by: Kathy Tagudin | 03/04/2011 at 01:58 PM
I too had to come to that realization and come through it. that I was grieving the loss of so much time. but through this illness i have found my purpose. it is to help others going through hard times weather it be from illness or whatever. God allowed me to go through this so that i would get educated and be able to teach others what to do to get well. I am forever grateful. I pray you will continue to get well.....it is a journey.......yes we pray for the destination to come soon but learn along the way and keep our eyes and ears open to help the hurting.
Posted by: carol gravante | 06/08/2013 at 03:41 PM
Thanks for writing, Carol. Agree 100%. Illness is not fun, but it's meaningful and I'm forever grateful for what it's done for my compassion, strength, and capacity to care for others. Thanks for taking the time to encourage me and so many who are hurting. I have no doubt. God is using you in wonderful ways. XOXOX
Posted by: Kathy | 06/09/2013 at 05:43 AM