Sarah and Sheila Day 3--

Sarah Day 3--

This morning when my alarm went off at 5:15 am, my first thought was how much I hate Monday's. I once read in an article that most people do not think that Monday is much worse than a Wednesday or Thursday. Let me just say that I completely and utterly disagree. I think they are the worst.

I gave myself a few minutes to dread the day, had a little pity-party and then I began to think about what my good deed for today would be. I didn't decide on one specific gesture, meant for one specific person . . . I decided to focus on the whole entire day, for every person that I encountered. 

Since I work at the front desk of the hospital, I am usually the first person to be seen when someone walks through the doors. From what I have learned, people do not usually come to the hospital because they are feeling great or because their loved ones are feeling great. More times than not, a hospital is a sad place to be. Today, I made sure to remember just that. I reminded myself to smile. I greeted all of our patients with a genuine smile, along with their family and friends. I was considerate and understanding of their situation. When my coworkers came around, I asked how their day was, and if I could do anything for them. If someone was leaving the hospital, I told them to have a good afternoon. These gestures are not difficult to do, but sometimes they can be difficult to remember. I'll admit, it was challenging. 

Another thing I made sure to do today, was hold the door for people. Not that I ever intentionally let the door slam on someones face . . . but sometimes, I forget to look behind me. Today, I did not. =) If there was someone near me, I held the door. Even if it meant waiting a minute or two. Earlier this evening, I stood outside in the cold to hold the door for an elderly woman, who probably would not have been able to get the door herself.  The way she looked at me and said thank you truly brightened my day.

I can tell you that this was definitely one of my best Monday's. I did not get crabby, frustrated or upset. I did not dwell on the day and its downfalls. I kept in mind that I do not know what is going on in the lives of everyone else, just like they do not know what is going on in my life. One cranky person at the front desk or one door slamming shut on someone can really ruin a person's day. These simple acts of kindness are important to remember, and I will never think of Monday the same. Not that I will ever like it, because I won't . . .

Sincerely,
Mrs. Grinch


Sheila Day 3--

Today has been a very long one.  Last night after I read Sarah's post I reflected on the day that Corey was killed.  That exact moment is one that is seared in my brain as it is the one solitary event that forever changed the way that Sarah looked at the world in which she lived.  I believe that she has always had a strong connection to the military.  I think that facet of her personality might actually be genetic as her grandpa fought in Vietnam . . . something of which I was and continue to be very proud of.  What an amazing gift for a soldier to risk his or her life for the freedoms that we have.  What a priceless gift when a soldier sacrifices their life.  And 6 years later, my baby still remembers a young man who sacrificed his life for that of his family, friends, and community . . . for her.  Sigh . . . I laid awake again thinking about the loss of a child and how horrible that would be for me, and as I laid awake, I prayed for Jim, Donna, and their family as I am sure not a day goes by that they do not miss their baby.  Thank you Rah for reminding me as we should never forget those who fight for our freedom.

When I drove to work this morning there was the most beautiful sunrise.  It was the most brilliant shades of oranges and yellows that were in contrast to the deep blues of the night sky that had not yet faded away.  I got to thinking about the lights and darks of life . . . wouldn't it be cool if we could just think about the different hues of life like a beautiful sunset where we could still see the brilliance of the sun amidst the muted shades of darkness.  If only it were that simple.  Maybe it is, but rather than focusing on the sun . . . focus on the SON.  I believe that is the seed that Rah and I are planting this season.  And guess what, I believe that seed is beginning to crack open to the light like the sun peaking out over the horizon.

This morning as I was looking at the sunrise and the beauty of the morning I found myself thinking about my brother.  He has Marfans Syndrome and will be having surgery tomorrow.  It is a common surgery, but for LeRoy, nothing is common or simple.  I have been with him numerous times as he has been wheeled in for yet another surgery.  Because his lungs and heart are much smaller than what is normal, breathing is a struggle.  Hence, recovery often poses a lot of risk and challenge.  We tease him because he is like the proverbial cat with 9 lives.  Thank God for that as we have gotten to have LeRoy around . . . life is better with LeRoy!

I love LeRoy.  He has an incredible spirit with a love of life that is different from other perspectives.  He is hilarious and always makes me laugh.  So today, my gift is simple and nothing much . . . it was a prayer for my brother that I love.  I texted him this morning and told him that I loved him and I would be praying for him tomorrow.  I decided to share his response tonight, "Thank you and remember once again I got the easy part.  And I would have never made it this far without you holding my hand and heart as much as you have.  Thank you for it all.  God bless you.  I love you."  LeRoy

And as I read the words again the tears are flowing . . . do we see a trend here?  Sheila in tears . . . AGAIN!  I locked the text as we never know when that one text that meant so much could be the last one that we receive.  There were other things today that I could mention, but everything else pales in comparison to the brilliant colors of the sunrise that LeRoy brought into my life today.

Peace and Prayers,
Sheila