I'm starting something new on Wednesdays (a recurring self-prompt), and I'm going to call it Inspiration Point.
The idea came because I want to be sure I'm spending enough time writing about the people, things, and places that inspire me...and I want to get it down "on paper" so that, when I'm gone, my children, grandchildren, etc. can revisit that part of me that thinks deeply, cares passionately, and believes wholeheartedly that life is a marvelous and uplifting experience. The added bonus is that I can revisit it myself (in the here and now), whenever I need a reminder.
Of course, you're invited, too! Every one of you. Hey, we all need a little inspiration now and again, right? And how could I leave out the best blog friends ever?
That said, let's get started...
Monday night, my husband and I watched Diane Sawyer interview a remarkable woman, Gabrielle Giffords. If this congresswoman isn't a point of inspiration, I can't imagine who would qualify. Her journey from survivor with limited responsiveness to bright-eyed and determined fighter with more responsiveness than most of us will ever demonstrate is beyond uplifting. While her language (at present) is in single words, I am willing to bet the farm that she will be speaking in full sentences before she completes a recovery that is nothing short of amazing. Even one of her doctors refers to it as "miraculous" (which is a bit of a miracle in itself, given the prove-it-to-me mindset of neurologists in general).
I am deeply impressed by the generosity of Ms. Giffords in sharing her most vulnerable moments with countless TV viewers, and I wonder how many would be willing to do the same. Not one of us likes to be seen at our weakest and most helpless, especially when we are used to being as strong and competent as this congresswoman surely is. How frustrating it must be to experience aphasia while holding on to all of one's considerable intellectual capacities, yet Gabby battles tenaciously for every bit of ground she can regain. It is this tenacity that assures me she will continue to make an excellent recovery, and it is this same tenacity that will inform and encourage other survivors of brain injury and their families. With so many soldiers coming home affected by diverse repercussions from devastating head trauma, her courage and example can provide a beacon of hope that all will be well again. Or at the very least, good enough.
What struck me most strongly of all was the love...between Gabby and her husband, Gabby and her mother, Gabby and her helpers. How infinitely healing the loving relationships in our lives can be. Indeed, there is no greater power on earth than selfless, unconditional love––which is not surprising, considering Who taught us what that looks like. Because of Him, we are given to know that even in our own Gethsemanes, even on our own crosses, and no matter what we may endure, this sure promise is always left to us: We are never alone. Though not every person is blessed with the support system Ms. Giffords enjoys, every person IS blessed with a faithful and eternal Father in Heaven, whose love will always be the very best medicine for whatever ails us.
"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you" (John 14:18).
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21 comments:
Well you and I have already discussed this at length. We are NEVER alone, and it is great comfort indeed - when I can take a breath and remember. It's easy to let panic and despair take over. But with practice my memory is getting better and stronger with each trial. I agree - Gabby Gifford's example of courage and tenacity is inspiring. Great good will be done with that.
Sue, just wanted you to know how much I enjoy your blog. The music is so soothine too. After I read the blog I leave the music playing for whatever I have to do at the computer. Love you blog. Thanks for all the loveliness you share with us. Ditto to all you said about Gabby. What a story.
I saw that interview, too. She truly is amazing!
What a wonderful post! Great relationships are such a joy. Thank you for sharing your relationship with your mother in-law in your comment on my blog.
I didn't see the interview, but I know how unbelievable her recovery has been. She's an amazing woman!
how healing loving relationships can be in our lives...how true that...will look this up...
I was in tears as I watched the interview. She truly inspires me. I too, saw the visible love and compassion Gabby and Mark have for each other. He also inspires me to be a better spouse.
Oh, to answer your question on would I allow my weakest moments shown to the whole world... Initially I said no. But thinking about it some more, I have to probably yes. If just one person could learn from or be inspired by what I have gone thru, then it would be worth it,
We saw an excerpt from the interview and a few snippets of the whole process of recovery on British TV.
I agree with you, here is a woman who inspires all of us, whose courage is beyond doubt and whose will to live is indomitable.
Thank you for visiting my blog and allowing me to find yours.
There's been a lot of press around here about this, as you can imagine. That is one amazing story, that's for sure. Thanks for pointing it out for anyone who missed it. With all the crap in the media right now, this story is refreshing in its honesty and especially the truth it conveys.
You are always inspiring and I loved your post today. It is so awesome when there is a news story like this heartfelt one. There are so many who through their struggles and their courage inspire us all.
Blessings and hugs to you!
I can already tell I'm going to love Wednesdays at your place.
I wish I had known Gabby was going to be on. I've followed her story somewhat from the beginning. And I usually enjoy Diane Sawyer interviews.
Her interview and the program were so amazing. It made me think of two things...well, actually it made me think of many things, but 2 stuck out for me..first: Gabby's Mother who said she heard a voice when she went to the hospital for the first time and it said.."Be still and know that I am God"...what comfort and strength that had to be for her. And second: How can I ever say I'm having a bad day when I think of Gabby and her courage and determination to get back to her life before all this mess. Thanks for an uplifting post that I so needed today Sue.
you know I love it when you re-cap shows!! especially GREAT UPLIFTING ones. Thank you, I will find it to hear it. And I really liked what you said about a legacy for your children/grandchildren whereas they can know your thoughts... that gives me pause!
I am so sorry we missed that interview Monday night. We did get to see a couple of clips when O'Reilly had Diane Sawyer on his show. Even though it was short, we did get a feeling for her and were very interested in how well she is coming along. I am sure she will improve with time. When you have that kind of determination, it really does work for you.
I think I am going to enjoy Wednesdays and reading about things that inspire you. You have so much inspiration about so many things and I am glad you are going to share them with everyone.
I love to be inspired. What a great idea to leave your posterity!
She is an amazing woman and it is a story that has turned out so good from something so tragic.
Love is powerful!
It was an amazing interview. She is beautiful.
Thanks so much for sharing such an uplifting post.
What an inspired and inspiring project, your Inspiration Point. If this first Wednesday post is anything to go by, this will be a not-to-be-missed series. You are wonderful to read, Sue.
Too bad so I stay away from that point of inspiration, it is sometimes very necessary.
I missed this interview as I was traveling again, but I did read some of it in transcripts the next day. Gabbie is a remarkable woman and very inspirational. I hope and pray she will be able to recover to her fullest potential!
What a great idea, Sue! I'll look for these posts from you.
I missed the interview, but will look for it online. What an amazingly generous, courageous woman!
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