An old story and a new year's wish for you all!
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- Empowermom
- Hero Rocketeer
- Posts: 476
- Thanks: 32
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I don't normally share my sorrows publicly. I like to be an inspiration and share the upbeat side of life with people. I certainly don't like bringing people down, but it came to my attention today that some of you have wondered where I've been and even missed me and perhaps, just perhaps, I was meant to share this. So, trusting in several who have told me this in private, I decided to just spill the beans.
To make a long story short, I've had several family tragedies back to back involving 7 deaths, my brother losing body parts (and still facing the loss of more) while being in and out of the hospital repeatedly due to diabetes. During one such hospitalization, there was my daughter, who's a recent college grad and quite a go-getter with BIG plans for the future, who required hospitalization and surgery. And then there was Dave, my dearest husband who needed surgery on his foot and then eye surgery on each eye. (Dave's dilemmas may have been minor compared to the rest, but it still made me realize how much I love him and need him and don't want him sick EVER!)
This all happened over a 14 month time span. For a while, I began to wonder if it really was going to be the end of the world. For a while it seemed like it was, or at least the prefect world I'd come to know and take comfort in. The worst and beginning of it all was the illness then loss of my Mom, followed by my mother-in-law's death 3 months later. Having been married for 28 years, this lady was one of the most truly inspirational people I've known and was quite special to me for over half my life. To be honest, my Mom was my very best friend in the universe and I never thought I'd survive losing her.
I'm usually a pretty stout woman who can handle most things, but this year was a bit more than even I could handle and it was challenging to get through some days, much less worry about my site. Couple that with a lack of enthusiasm or inspiration and I almost allowed myself to become crippled with grief. But I didn't. I just waded through it all and guess what.... I am here and home again with RT. I have a new plan and more focus than ever!
So life gave me detours. To heck with that! I'm still on the map, and that's what counts. Some of you may cringe and feel sorry for me, but don't. I'm happy I am alive and still kicking and most grateful I have this day to tell you about it.
My site and my business may have suffered but I'm back in the saddle ready for business and the new year that awaits us all. Even in this tragedy, I have learned some valuable lessons about life, love, and how to achieve happiness amidst sorrow and pain. In pain there is healing and a renewal of spirit. I guess God wanted me to remember. I just wish he hadn't been so harsh, but that's the way it works. We have a tendency to become cocky about life when it gets so good you don't think there's anything more to learn. I was taught in no uncertain terms that in life, without pain there is no gain and that's not just a cliche'.
For all of us, there is someone who always needs us. Some days you can meet that challenge, and some days, you need to stop and regroup. I don't know where I fit in all that, but I do know that life will forever be an adventure for me no matter what turn the road takes and I will always be forever mindful of stopping to smell the rose, even if there is only one. The smell of a single flower reminds us we are alive to enjoy life's gifts, no matter how small they may be. To me, the gift of waking up each day is now enough to get my engines revved up and my blood pumping. If we only have one day, I plan on making the best of each one I receive. So now I celebrate every day.... not just holidays.
To the RT Team, I love you guys forever and ever.... and if you forget, forEVER! You are all an inspiration to me and I've learned a great deal from each of you. I've missed being here but I did pop in from time to time to see what's going on because I just can't go without you. I may just be getting my groove back, but I haven't forgotten anyone. Forgive me if I didn't communicate better.
Gee, I didn't know anyone even noticed me, much less missed me around here. At least one person informed me otherwise, and for that, I thank you for the inspiration and for the love!
Hugs, kisses and I hope everyone has a great new year! May it be blessed and stress free for you all. And if there is stress, bust that sucker square in the jaw. I'm here to tell you, it CAN be done.
Cheers and a round of martinis for all,
Carol
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- David Goode
- Preeminent Rocketeer
- Posts: 17058
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- Web Designer and Host
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Hi Carol,
What a mixed and profound post. Don't get many of them in our forums :cheesy:
First of all the team here at RT wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year and by the sounds of it 2013 will have no option but to be better than 2012. We also send our condolences for your losses and best wishes for those of your family who are recovering from ill health and surgery.
I often have to remind myself that if it wasn't for the darkness of the valleys we could never appreciate the panoramic views from the mountains. Whether we are travelling up to the mountain top, or down to the valley floor, it is worth remembering that we are alive and able to travel, and sometimes we can choose our own route. Others are not so fortunate.
It is good to see that you have overcome the trials placed upon you and that life is being embraced to the full. I think it is fair to say you were missed Carol, not just because of the questions you post as a challenge to us mods, but also the help you give to others when you can.
I hope people can take the positive from your post and that anyone else struggling with the pressures of life and running a business can also find a path that suits them.
Thanks for posting Carol.
Please search forums before posting. Please make sure your post includes the version of the CMS you are using and a link to the problem. Annotations on screenshots can also be helpful to explain problems/goals. Please use the "secure" tab for confidential information
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- DanG
- Preeminent Rocketeer
- Posts: 36750
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- Custom work done
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Empowermom wrote:
Gee, I didn't know anyone even noticed me, much less missed me around here. At least one person informed me otherwise, and for that, I thank you for the inspiration and for the love!Oh we notice Carol (sounds odd as I've always recognized your postings as Empowermom), after all we are human just like our members. It hit us hard when Wage passed away this summer.
Hugs, kisses and I hope everyone has a great new year! May it be blessed and stress free for you all. And if there is stress, bust that sucker square in the jaw. I'm here to tell you, it CAN be done.
Cheers and a round of martinis for all,
Carol
Thank you for sharing such heartfelt feelings with us, as we empathize with you, gleaned from our experiences of relatives that have also suffered.
I pray for your family that they can be provided with some respite.
You've got the talent and we have the templates for you and may you be turning them away from your door
As for martinis, I'll take a screwdriver pleaseThis image is hidden for guests.
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