Weekend Catastrophe... for Better or for Worst

Life is a learning process from the moment we enter the world.  Our environment teaches us what love is... or isn't, how to not get hurt... or constantly fall, nevertheless... we begin to learn to reach for the light, what feels good, and for those who treat us lovingly.

It's a process.  Some learn easier and faster than others.

But learning from our mistakes, shows intelligence, gives us hope, builds character and thoughtfulness for others.

Those who learn... rise to the top.

No one likes pain.

So, what can I learn from this past weekend? 

Sometimes hurt and pain come from bad choices we made

and sometimes... IT just happens!!

Either way... What did I learn from this and how will it affect my future?

This past weekend we headed into a 2-day nightmare.  Our precious niece of 47 lost her battle with a cancer.  Yes, a dreaded word by all people.  With our hearts broken and wanting to be there for her parents, husband, and daughter... we booked our last-minute flight and single night at a hotel and set out for the 800-mile trip from Atlanta to Chicago.

In short, our 3:30, afternoon flight began to announce delays... every hour... 5 Times we heard the words delayed... until we finally got on the plane at 8:30.

Thankfully a good flight, but with another HOUR on the tarmac in Chicago.  We had begun the shortest, most horrific weekend ever!  Now for the 2-hour drive to our hotel of which we arrived at, 2:30 AM, now just 20 minutes away from the "Celebration of Life", beginning at 10:00AM Saturday morning.  

Many came, our niece was appreciated and loved, we spent the afternoon with her parents talking about her life and remembering the fun parts.  

It did make me ask myself the question. 

What will I be remembered for? 

Will people think fondly of me when I leave this world.  I've already made plans for Heaven, but that doesn't make me a perfect person.

Am I the person I'd want to have as a spouse, a parent, a friend?

Am I a taker or a giver?

Well, the afternoon was over and we headed back to the airport.  We talked about the possibility of more delays, but HEY, I'm a positive thinker, I expect the best, how could all that happen again!!! 

It did!!! 

Boy will I remember the Chicago Airport!!!  I got home at 4:00 AM... got up for church at 8:00 and sang in the choir and on the praise team and then napped all afternoon.  Now... today's Monday... I think I've recovered.

All that... Not my fault... but what can I learn from it? 

Many times, it is our CHOICES that get us in trouble, that's easy... Make Better Choices, but this, not our fault.  So... I'll remember it. 

I never want to fly into Chicago again.  Still glad we were there for our precious family and TODAY... I'll move forward remembering that it is the people we LOVE who count most in our lives and that we never know when this day... will be our last. 

Do you stop, think and analyze the hard times in your life.  Could you have done them differently?  Are you willing to... or will you just continue your life's journey, managing and putting out the fires?  Good thing is you have a choice.

Blessings!

Live with love, respect and be thoughtful of others.

Connie Durham

The Extraordinary Marriage Podcast

Atlanta, GA