"Oh, my friend, it's not what they take away from you that counts - it's what you do with what you have left." - Hubert Humphrey, ostomate and former US Vice President
While waiting for a prescription to be filled, I often find myself looking for reading material where the books and magazines are located at Kroger. Even when there is no prescription to fill, the children will ask to go there and look at the books. A week ago today while my dad was bringing my loved one home from the hospital, I was again at Kroger waiting. I went to the Inspirational book section and saw several Chicken Soups for the Soul. Selecting the ones that seemed most applicable to my current station in life, I found this quote contained in one. It was full of meaning on that day and still is. Surgery can take things away from us in a very literal, real way. One experience can change our lives forever. What remains and what we do with it - now there is something to consider. What now?
As I go through my days of care-giving and keeping the home fires burning, I find myself wondering what is next. Things have changed irrevocably, irreversibly, and yet we go on. Life goes on. A newness of life that is nothing akin to the life we knew before. Each day with its challenges and demands. What now? A time to carry on, to keep up your courage, and to love and serve as never before.
