Monday, March 8, 2010

Count your blessings, not your sorrows...

Jessica and I always tried to be positive people...you know - "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade", "Count your blessings, not your sorrows" - and a favorite of mine that helped me through my journey so many years ago, "Some people complain because the rose has thorns. Others are thankful that the thorns have roses." Jessica suffered so many setbacks through those last 4 years of her life, yet remained unwavered in her attempts to inspire and see all of the beauty that life itself offered.

And now, as I continue my attempt to move forward seeking my destiny through the difficult days of late, I remind myself of that which I already know. It is difficult to see the trees when you're standing in the forest or to see the big picture when you have but a piece of the puzzle...and yes, that elusive light at the end of the tunnel. But life is about choice and attitude. And I choose to fight and live. I choose to see the good that comes from the bad even when it causes destruction, for I know that the tree that stands in my path also gives shelter to the life beneath it. It is about choice...and we can choose to count our blessings, or prevent them from shining through our sorrows. During her struggle, Jessica reunited lives and friendships and brought people into my life, for which I am eternally grateful. She chose to find courage, and along with her strength, she encouraged others to do the same. She chose to look deeply within herself to find even more strength to continue her fight, time and time again, when it would have been just as easy to break...and give in...

So today I mark another month without my beloved child, yet it is her spirit that continues to inspire me, give me strength and help me go on. I am so painfully saddened and lost by what was taken from me, but thankful for what I was given and still have. God gave me 24 years to love and learn from Jessica and build memories to help me through these days...and I know that with time, the pieces of that puzzle will start to come together, allowing me to see that which is hidden beyond that elusive light...

When life gives you 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1,000 reasons to smile...

6 comments:

Aunt Karin said...

Chris...
As I read this I can only think that you and Jessica have been a blessing to so many. The strength and courage you both showed has touched us all. . . love ya

Anonymous said...

Thank you for continuing on with this blog,it is nice to read about how you are doing, and it really makes me feel a little more connected to Jess. I am so inspired and I admire your outlook and your strong spirit throughout everything you and your family have been through. My heart and prayers for continued healing and strength are with you.

Anonymous said...

i read this blog at least once a week. one because i feel it brings me close to jess and it brings me such strength reading your words. when im feeling overwhelmed with what i have been dealt i simply read ur words and feel a calming . so as jessica continues to inspire you daily. you also continue to inspire me. thank you for that.

Anonymous said...

you are so very inspiring, Chris! Thank You.

Anonymous said...

May peace find it's way into your heart and mind and give you rest from the sorrow that weighs so heavy on you now.

Leslie @ Farm Fresh Fun said...

I found your beautiful blog while googling "Count your blessings not your woes, Count your friendships, not your foes." How wonderful to be led to Jessica's blog. Thanks for providing such awesome inspiration. I will count Jessica as a blessing to our world. May God Bless you!