There are no Ordinary Moments

My husband's cousin's wife was in a serious car accident eleven days ago. The day, I would assume, started out much like any other day. She was on her way to work when she was hit head on by another car. At that moment her life changed. Life has changed for those around her too, as her family struggles to deal with the aftermath of the accident - long hours in the ICU, doctors, consultations, optimistic signs, setbacks, worry and overwhelming fatigue.

The only moment we really have for certain is this moment. This moment now. We squander away so many moments as we move mindlessly through our day. Can you name three of the most special moments you've had so far today? How about yesterday?

I lost a very good friend to leukemia about a year and a half ago. During one of our last conversations together she talked about the effort it required for her to first sit up in the morning. The process of moving herself to an upright position was exhausting. It took her almost 15 minutes to accomplish this task. Her message was clear - there are so many things we take for granted.... the ability to sit up, the ability to breath, the ability to run.

There is a zen buddist (I believe) exercise that poses the question; "What if this were the first time or last time to do something?"

Young children are so delightful to watch. They are excited about the first time they see something or experience something. And they are just as excited about it all over again tomorrow.

Our granddaughter Madison took us into her bedroom to show us her new Brio train table set-up. The first time she escorted us into her bedroom to show us, she was so excited as she exclaimed; "Cool, awesome". The next time we visited, she grabbed our hands just as excitedly and took us to view the train set again with another; "Cool, awesome". She continues to take us hand by hand to view this remarkable thing everytime we visit.

I'd like to think I can keep this perspective in mind. The truth is that it will gradually fade away, until the moment when life changes everything.

If you could say a prayer for Cyndie in this moment, that would be; "Cool, awesome".