Thank you for all your Love and Support!
Marisa, Sharon, John and I (Natasha) want to take this opportunity first off to say many, many thank yous….to all of you. Thank you for all the cards, flowers, gifts, and wishes. The power of prayer and generous thoughts and love has given my mom the strength to get through this challenging journey. Thank you to all our friends, even the ones whom she hasn’t met yet and family, doctors, surgeons, nurses, residents, physiotherapists, dietary, Nurse -Practitioner, Respiratory therapists and the whole multidisciplinary team. You all know who you are. We could not have done it without you. It is angels like you that make a difference!
Food for thought!
These past 2 years have been really trying to us, but it has been the reality of strong unconditional love that has gotten through this. As a nurse, I not only value my family more, but the experience has even be- humbled me even more. Believe it or not, my career has always done that for me, but this has probably been the most challenging. Its times like this that you really appreciate the meaningful things in life, to stop and smell the flowers…to be attentive to the “here and now”, because we truly don’t have tomorrow. If I can remind and pass on this message to everyone that has touched our lives, then we have all learnt from this. Love those close to you, and love those who need to be close to you. The spiritual journey we all take is different, but the message is all the same.
Cancer the great teacher!
I am sure most people know someone who has had, has or know of someone with cancer. It affects so many, so how can this be a great teacher? I have learnt throughout my holistic studies that one can have dis-ease or illness, but still be healed? How does that happen? Well, my mom (Sharon) can be such a great example of that. As blessed as we are that she is cancer free, she has gone through the trivial challenges that come along overcoming it. I have watched and learned patiently how my mom has embraced such a challenge in her life, to live it as full as possible. To appreciate the smiles and laughter one has to share. She has been such an amazing example to what is to really fight for something…not in war, but in her own time and turf.
Healing the wounded Heart….
She has learnt that one must take responsibility, one must appreciate. That it isn’t the external world that owes her, but she owes herself. Acknowledging that only she can create her destiny….and as many of us know; that destiny can be quite bumpy. It is her kindred spirit that will inspire us all, as I only wish I could be as selfless as she. I think if we can all take something from this; it is that we need to be aware of what we are going to do to create balance in our lives and to help those around you. It could be as simple as hugging the person next to you saying “I love you” or volunteering, or even donating to a local charity of your choice. It is up to you…help create someone else’s’ balanced destiny or it could easily be your own…you decide.
A special message
I truly do want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to John Donnelly, whom has been my mom’s soul mate throughout all this. This soul has been so supportive to my mom through all this. He has been compassionate, patient and understanding. As he too has had many challenges in his past…such as taking care of his sick father whom battled MS to the very end and his mom; whom past away a couple of years ago from a massive heart attack. John you are a resilient being, and an amazing man. Thank you for being a true crutch to my mom and showing her what unconditional love still feels like…Namaste!
The Ripple Effect
I truly think that in all that life has to teach us, that we can all learn something. As if this whole experience hasn’t been a be-humbling one, it has also taught some of us to pay it forward. Everyday I did Reiki on my mom to help calm her anxieties, (a Japanese relaxation technique that also works on the energetic level); this seemed to help her progress greatly complementing her care. It seemed to amaze me that on one of her last days she kept in tune with her inner voice, only to tend to the need of another patient, whom was going through the same thing my mom just went through. He saw her in the hallway and waved her to come to his room, as this was the only way he could communicate because he has a trach in. Without hesitation, she went to his bedside and held his hand, a complete stranger, and told him to hang on and have faith and hope and that he too will overcome his challenge. She said the look in his eye; he knew exactly what she was talking about. He motioned to her pointing to his heart, that he loved her in a platonic way. Sharon took the energy she received from Reiki and passed it on to another in need. As she could see he needed it more than she did…a perfect example of the ripple effect. If we can each practice this in each day….just think what a wonderful world we will live in, more gracious than the one we already do. Reiki means love, so share the love….I send much love and light to all of you.
