Life has a way of presenting us with a series of moments—some filled with joy, others steeped in struggle, but all significant in their own right. Even amid the daily challenges—stressful situations, difficult decisions, family issues, and health concerns—there are those precious moments that make you pause, smile, look up and whisper a quiet thank you. Yesterday was one of those days for me, a day that reminded me of the beauty in embracing life’s moments.
As many of you know, my 94-year-old mom is facing some serious memory challenges. It’s a journey that can be heartbreaking and extremely stressful. After a few tough days, watching her memory decline further left me feeling overwhelmed and sad. I realized that a change of scenery might be just what we needed, so I planned a little outing—a day of shopping therapy followed by a cozy dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant.
I hopped into my Jeep Wrangler to pick her up. I mention the Jeep because I actually have a more comfortable car for her, but fate had other plans—I had an unexpected flat tire. Little did I know, this twist of fate would turn out to be a blessing in disguise. As I helped my mom into the Jeep with a big heave-ho, laughter erupted between us, transforming what could have been a stressful ordeal into a comedy show.
Unbeknownst to us, there were workers on the roof of her assisted living facility, watching our antics unfold. When one of them called out, suggesting I pull closer to the curb to make things easier, we both burst into laughter at the absurdity of it all. That simple moment of joy became a delightful highlight of our day. There is so much healing in laughter!
Later that evening, my son called and said, “Mom, go outside and look at the sky.” I stepped into my backyard and was greeted by a breathtaking sight—the Northern Lights dancing overhead. I’ve never seen them before, and there they were, shining brilliantly right above me. In that moment, the lyrics of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” floated into my mind: “At the end of the storm, there’s a golden sky and the sweet silver song of the lark” It was as if the universe was sending me a message, reminding me that even in challenging times, there is beauty and grace to be found. Josh Groban:https://youtu.be/G1WpGqEOCOg?si=_UBY8QV8tpyFXr3g
I raised my eyes to the sky and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Despite the struggles I face in this phase of life, I knew that God was with me through it all. It’s those moments—filled with laughter, awe, and connection—that remind me of the light that exists even when the path gets rocky.
So, to anyone who feels the weight of life’s challenges, take a moment to look for the joy hidden within your day. Embrace those little sparks that make you smile and remind you that you are never alone. It’s these moments that truly define our lives, turning our struggles into stories of hope and love. Life is about embracing those beautiful moments that carry us through the tough times, and they are what make the journey worthwhile. 💕
