Do Things Happen for a Reason?

06. Jul, 2010 Categories: Life by Elizabeth Potts Weinstein View Comments

As my daughter lies in bed a few days after the operation to remove a tumor in her brain, I consider the question addressed by restless parents, philosophers, religious personages, bloggers, artists, debaters of various attraction philosophies, and those much more wise and spiritual than I …

Does everything happen for a reason?

Did we attract this cyst into her our lives by feeling the wrong feelings, by thinking or vibrating or focusing in some negative cancerous way instead of permeating health and vitality?

Are we being punished for something we did in a past life, for drinking that margarita before I knew I was pregnant, for exposing her to too much iPhone usage, for sleeping too close to the wifi node?

Is there a lesson, a grand master plan, a purpose for which we were sent this challenge, by beings greater and wiser than ourselves?

I think not.

My daughter’s brain tumor did not happen for a reason.

Sometimes, bad shit just happens.

The God that I believe in isn’t an asshole.

God doesn’t say hey, look at that beautiful 5 year old girl (the most happy, creative, and empathetic person I have ever met) and say to himself, let’s see what she does with this cosmic kick in the ass, or let’s send her this ultimate life coaching assignment to help her fulfill her grand purpose in life.

Bad things don’t happen for a reason.

It is up to us to give reasons to our bad happenings.

It is up to us to create meaning from our shit.

I have learned how to ask for help. I have learned what’s really important. I have learned how blessed I am. I have learned who my true friends are. I have learned how many people love me. I have learned how the amazingness people really are capable of. I have learned how small the world is. I have learned how to live in the moment.

I’m sure my daughter will give her own meaning to this happening. Some of it may be churning in her head right now, and some of it may manifest itself decades in the future.

Now I leave it up to you.

I won’t tell you what to take away from this post, what to learn from your witnessing this happening, what meaning to find in your own shit.

But I ask you …

Do you want to lament how much the shit sucks? Do you ask why me, how did this happen, who sent this to us? Do you whirl in the stickiness of this isn’t fair?

Or do you choose to take a grand leap of spirit?

Do you choose to move from asking into action, from obsession into being? From grand lamentations into embracing exactly where you are, what blessings you have … and flow forward into the great, amazing, delicious unknown?

It’s your choice.

As for me … I choose to give meaning to my shit.

I choose to see the awesome. I choose to leap.

#thatisall

Related posts:

  1. The reason why EPW is MIA…
  2. The Real Reason I’m Moving to San Francisco
  3. The *Real* Reason Video is Hard.
  • terrygreen
    I'm so sorry to hear you and Gracie have been going through this, but am very happy to know that she is doing well and on her way to recovery. You are so right ... everything doesn't always happen for a reason, except maybe the consequences we get when we make really stupid choices that have bad results, but not everything bad that happens in our lives, or things like this. God doesn't cause bad stuff ... it's against His nature ... "He is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." Both you and Gracie are in my prayers ...
  • I missed this- I am sorry to hear about the tumor but happy to know Gracie will be just fine. From videos and things you have posted she has always been very much her own vital determined person. Many prayers to you and your family.
  • My spirit is leaping at your blog post, Elizabeth. I haven't had anything like the magnitude of things to cope with that you've had lately -- nothing trumps things that happen to our children -- but I am having great benefit from choosing to give meaning to my shit. It's so empowering! Thanks for the power you're giving all of us.
    Big hugs, Bonnie
  • Hilory
    These are difficult times for so many of us - in different ways. I too have asked 'why'? Is there a reason, a lesson, a test? Or is it random. Does it even matter what the answer is to the question? Or do we just choose to assign a meaning that helps us to cope?

    You have written many posts that resonate, Elizabeth-but this may well be your finest hour.

    Hugs to you and Gracie...
  • Elizabeth
    And I choose to love Gracie and you right here, from where I am!
  • That is a good way to look at it. You can't drain your mind wondering why, why, why..? but you can embrace it for whatever reason it is because it is there...and your attitude..vibration..energy..whathaveyou is what can make a difference in the outcome. I truly believe that.
    So it is a wonderful test not so much of the will...but of letting go of the heart that there is a reason, but you will figure it out later as you embrace the journey. There might be many reasons, but the choice of how you live the journey will reveal the real reason later. It doesn't matter if you know tomorrow, next year of 10 years from now.
    What is important is the love you share...and I know you are doing that. That is all that counts. Bless you for your spirit..and Gracie's. I'm sure she was named Grace for a reason;)
  • Dear Elizabeth,

    First of all, let me say how sorry I am for everything you guys have had to go through. All the great friends in the world make it easier, but I imagine it's been just devastating. I'm glad to read that things are looking up a little bit. I've been praying for you guys and thinking about you a lot.

    There seems to be plenty of evidence that life is often not fair, and sometimes there is no way for me to understand why things happen the way they do. My spirituality allows me to consider that our existence extends beyond what we can see, feel, and reason. Therefore, I think the phrase "everything happens for a reason" can be a way of expressing my spiritual acceptance of things that are, on the surface, totally unacceptable. But still, my emotions battle between that and non-acceptance. And usually, with time, I am able to grow towards acceptance.

    One of the blessings that makes that growth possible is the presence of good, understanding friends. Thankfully, you seem to have that. Good luck to you guys. I don't know why but I have a feeling that everything is going to work out very well, with time.

    Steve
  • First, a warm hug for you and Grace.

    I think of the awesome shit and the bad shit as markers along my path - nothing more. Sometimes the bad shit sends me in a new direction - a direction that introduces me to knew people and new opportunities that I may not have experienced if not for that 'bad' event having sent me in that new direction.
  • I do believe everything happens for a reason. Things like this can teach you to deal with something in a way you never imagined. Everyone has something to teach us. We are to learn something from everyone that appears in our path.

    No you surely did not attract such a medical issue into your life. However you do have the power to overcome it. These are times that can allow us to wake up from the coma this world puts most of us in.

    My heart has been with you all from the moment I heard about everything. Elizabeth, I don't know if you listen to Hayhouseradio.com at all, but it's been a serious blessing for me and I wanted to share just encase you had time to listen. They even have an iphone app that makes it super easy.

    Best wishes for Grace and You. Awesome is all I see here :)
  • I so agree with you. Sometimes shit happens. Think it is the nature of man/woman to instantly assign blame. Here's the thing though, they are not so quick to give glory for the good, great, whatever stuff that happens. Hmmm. I am thrilled that you are not going to be one of those who wallows in the "why me" thing, since there is NEVER an answer to that. Thank God you were able to find it and get help for Gracie. That is the miracle, because some parents might have ignored the signs. I have not had the pleasure of meeting you in person, but I am so incredibly awed by you. You are amazing.
  • The perfect attitude. Just getting to know you here, but I've already learned that your awesome daughter has an awesome mom. Best wishes for you and your family.
  • When my son got severe pneumonia that required a two week hospital stay in an isolated room in the children's hospital - with IV's, countless x-rays, c/t scans and even surgery in his lung to drain fluid - followed by a chest tube for a few days, oxygen mask, and morphine - I cried and cried and cried Surely I had done something to make this happen. I wasn't happy all the time... maybe something from my past? What? WHY MY SON? I was bitter, mad, hurt, scared. It was a nightmare that still to this day I have not gotten over. It's unfair to see any child ill in the hospital. I saw so many sick children, some far worse than my son. It's painful, it's awful. I can't be fully cheerful when I think about how many sick kids there are out there.
    But. I am thankful, so very thankful, that my son is fine, and healthy now. I count my blessings every single day.
    And to enjoy each day, fully.
  • Charlestondt
    Wow, what a deep post and all so true. You Leap Elizabeth with God's Grace and Mercy right there with you both. Never look back wondering why just move forward with your head up high and take that next leap into whatever happens for you. Blessing to you and your daughter.
    Brilliant Post!!
  • I don't now how I got on to this page. We aren't even following eachother. But, I got teary know that you are going through this. We never want to see our children suffer. When I first had my son Blake with Down's I thought I was being punished. I know that sounds very selfish, because now I realize how much joy he has brought to me, let alone a raise of consciousness. He has made me more compassionate, patient and understanding. I could go on and on. He had to have heart surgery at a very young age, during that time I learned to let go and let God. It also taught me good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people. The difference is the good people make something positive out of the situations, a higher good always comes out of these situations. Grace is given if we are willing to surrender, what we have no control of. You appear to always take the leap, why would you stop now. As a mother I salute you, send you prayers and positive thoughts.
  • lipdesign
    YOU and Grace rock ... no matter what shit lands on your lap. It's not karma or what you attract. It's shit. And you deal with it with dignity, aplomb and chutzpah! I'm all for choosing to leap ... so much better than wallowing in the shit. Thank you for being awesome.
  • Great post! I struggle with those kinds of questions, too, and bump into the same objection that the God I believe in is not an asshole.

    And yet, that still leaves me with the questions. Because I also don't believe that anything is random.

    I know that there are no easy answers! I have been trying to make peace with not knowing the answers when what I most want is certainty. As for lamenting what sucks, I think it's impossible to avoid grief. We can pretend to be "over it" but the truth is that grief, in all its wildness, takes its own sweet time.

    I'm glad you can see the awesome! But there may still be moments to come when all you can see is the shit. And that's okay! We'll still love you.
  • Bobbi Spargo
    Great choice! Great action plan! You will make it, mom!
  • We can't control the shit.
    But we can control what we make of it.

    I think you and Gracie are pretty lovely amazing.
  • Wow...I do not know if I would have the strength to express myself so beautifully after such an ordeal. My heart goes out to you and my prayers go out to Gracie for a speedy recovery. You have a million hearts and prayers going out to you as well. You have an excellent perspective that anyone can learn from. Thank you for sharing your journey - the ups and the downs.
  • "I choose to see the awesome."

    This.

    It's also why I want to punch people in the concussion when they say we "attract" everything in our lives, the universe, manifest etc...

    And if anyone says that to you about this, you know I got a fist waiting right here to help you out PW.

    #TeamGracie4Life
  • A beautiful post. It takes faith to take a grand leap of spirit. Nobody ever said bad things wouldn't happen...just that you wouldn't have to go through it alone. There is meaning, and good for you for choosing to see the possibilities. Many prayers coming your way...

    Julie Smith
  • Naprovan
    Life is hard. God is good. Let's DANCE!!!
  • Lisa Hines
    Beautiful processing. Thank you for sharing. Keeping your spirits up and choosing awesomeness is why you have such an awesome daughter!
  • Right on!!!! This is exactly how I feel... it rubs me the wrong way when I hear "everything happens for a reason" yet I can't stand it when people wallow in despair and refuse to get anything out of the bad that inevitably does happen. Well done, you nailed it!

    I am so relieved Gracie's operation is over. As for the recovery, bon courage! I wish you both nothing but the best.
  • Amy @ Tshirt and Jeans Mom
    so much word.
    I add my prayers for you and your family and my thanks that in the midst of your chaos you have written something with such raw powerful truth.
  • susanyoung
    Thank you Elizabeth for sharing these deep and real feelings with the world. What great news about Gracie, and a beautiful picture too!

    I am convinced that there are no accidents or coincidences in the Universe. Everything is unfolding as it should be. So yes, shit happens. But for a reason. There is so much good to come out of your "shit" -always at least one positive lesson from a bad experience. For starters, maybe it's this post. "One heart feels another." G-d will never forsake you.

    Wishing Gracie and your family good health, peace and blessings~
    Susan
  • Anne K.
    Brilliant, Elizabeth - these are pretty much the sentiments I shared with my friends on the day they buried their 17-month old son who died from leukemia. And, when my sister delivered a perfect stillborn son at 38-weeks (almost 14 years ago).

    The God I believe in is not cruel and would never hand you heartbreak and an illness to Gracie. Sometimes things happen and there is no reason why. I think Americans (and perhaps others around the world) are constantly looking to see who's in control and then demand an explanation. They want to hold someone responsible and, perhaps, find justice or payback. But, it's not possible. We don't have that kind of control. Nor should we.
  • When I heard that a client had been asked what she did to cause her breast cancer, I was so ferociously ticked, I went out and raised nearly 3x the amount of money to help cure that disease people supposedly "bring on themselves." I've long believed that things don't happen for a reason, but that whatever happens is an opportunity. Granted, those opportunities sometimes come in pretty sucky packages. But If anyone can figure out how to reconfigure the sucky into a gift for the rest of us, it's you and the remarkable Miss GraciePW. My loving best wishes to that great-hearted fountain of wonder and love.
  • I say I choose to leap - and I love: "I choose to give meaning to my shit." :)
  • nancymyrland
    I'm with you Elizabeth. Just like God didn't bring on John's (my husband) stroke 2 years ago last Tuesday, I don't believe He caused this to happen to Grace. What I do believe He does is to give us the strength to overcome these situations, or at least to deal with them. You are already using the strength He has given you, which you already had deep inside, but which is also bolstered by the strength and support hundreds, even thousands, of your friends have chosen to pour out upon you. Now THAT is God-given! You continue to be in my prayers...know that for sure!
  • brittmichaelian
    OMG, you are amazing, EPW! (but you already know that)

    You are so right on the money!
    We do need to give our shit meaning and to rise up and let our greatness shine through each and every twist of fate.

    Here's the caveat... what do you do when you are in the middle of your own shit, trying to rise up... only to be surrounded by people, friends or family who are obsessing over the stickiness of your shit or worse... thinking that your rising up is wrong?

    I know my answer, but I'd love to hear yours ;)

    Again, you are amazing. Thank you for being GPW's mom and my friend.
    We are all lucky to have you in this world. Your perspective ROCKS. xo
  • You're probably working on, oh, like 3 and half seconds of restless sleep/rest/eyeclosingandwakingupwonderingwhatthefreakhappened?! and you still wrote one of the most amazing, thought-provoking, kick-ass, live your truth posts. ever.
    Shit. happens.
    we're human.
    we (okay I) need to label that shit sometimes (all the time)
    You are living loud and an amazing mom and frankly the best gift in the world for Gracie (as she is for you).
    Thank you.
  • Many, many blessings to You, Gracie, and Mark.

    "Stuff" happens and I believe whether it be good "stuff" or bad "stuff", it all happens for a reason. We may not know the reason behind it at the time (especially when it's bad "stuff" like this, because it REALLY sucks), but what I know for sure is that the reason always comes to light somewhere in our journey.

    There's already a little glimmer of light in what you've already stated:

    "I have learned how to ask for help. I have learned what’s really important. I have learned how blessed I am. I have learned who my true friends are. I have learned how many people love me. I have learned how the amazingness people really are capable of. I have learned how small the world is. I have learned how to live in the moment.

    I’m sure my daughter will give her own meaning to this happening. Some of it may be churning in her head right now, and some of it may manifest itself decades in the future."


  • annettenack
    When I was younger, I had the luxury of waxing poetic whenever something "life altering" happened.

    I realize now that I was just full of BS with too much time on my hands. That wasn't the real stuff.

    Now I see the real stuff and it sucks and it's hard and no one really wants any of it to happen but what comes out of it is usually some of the most precious things in the world.

    So I grew into being a leaper, into taking the chance that things could royally suck and bad things will happen, but at least I'm still up and moving around and actually doing something. Safe sucks. I'd rather be living and making things up as I go along.

    Thank you for giving us the space to all leap and be okay with that...
  • This is a brilliant piece of writing and thinking. #thatisall
  • Not to sound selfish, but a whole lotta shit came up for me during your latest adventure with Gracie. Still figuring out all the meanings. Definitely a blog post or two in there, but I digress.

    I love that the God you believe in isn't an asshole. We all have stuff in our lives that doesn't make sense - and I have a friend that says every loss bears a gift -but you have to choose to find it. It ties very much into what you've said here. We color our own worlds, we give our lives meaning - or choose not to. That's been the crux of most of what I've taught this past year, and it's so transformational to look at the world this way.

    We're still praying for you and Grace (and Mark). It is good to hear your own authentic voice again. :-)
  • Beautiful post, EPW. All warm fuzzies to you and your beautiful girl. As a fellow mom, I'm thinking about you and Grace several times a day and sending love and light. Grace - great name, nice word.
  • shannonshort
    Hey, EPW,

    I'm leaping with you. Wanna hold hands? :-) No doubt, I'd rather leap and take the chance of getting a little bruised (or even flying) than stay safe in the alternative. (Hm, have to remind myself of that next time I'm feeling scared in my shit -- or scared of moving b/c it might -- maybe -- create shit!)

    And besides all that, hope you are finding amazing meaning in your shit -- cause it's still shit even if it creates rainbows in the end.

    Big hugs,
    Shannon
  • Thanks for this Elizabeth. In choosing to take this leap... and in sharing your journey, you're helping me and, I think, countless others fly as well. It seems to me that Grace is appropriately named... not only because she is filled with and surrounded by it... but because she (and you) touch the lives around you with it as well.
  • Wow. In awe of you and your strength. And I totally agree. Shit happens--what we make of it is the real stuff of life. Love you and thinking of you and sweet Gracie.
  • shawnacevraini
    I am crying because you are so incredible and awesome; such an inspiration to me and so many others obviously. You have shown us all the power of the human spirit and what is possible when we reach out to each other and realize what is truly important and how very blessed we are.

    Love you & Grace - big hugs, thoughts and prayers to both of you.
  • menwithpens
    I believe there's a positive in every negative. I experience life events, I bitch and moan like everyone else (because hey, why me, eh?), and when it's over, I'm thankful to have been through it because of what I've learned from it.

    Bad shit just happens. There is no reason, in my mind. But I do choose to take the bad shit and figure out what was good about it. I have no room in my life for negativity.

    Hugs for you and for the wee one.
  • I'll lament for you. This shit sucks. Our children are the greatest gifts -- for our selfish selves and the world. Your art of expression has been inspirational, it brings clarity to what is important. As in your writing, you also blaze a trail for the rest of us in life. Rock on EPW and rock on GPW -- we're praying our knees off for ya here in AZ (hopefully our prayers haven't been boycotted yet).
  • Giesla Hoelscher
    There's an MN rap group, Atmosphere, that called their last album, "When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold". It's the first thing I thought of when I read your post.

    Wallowing in how's and why's gets us nowhere. Taking our challenges with grace and wisdom moves us forward.

    I'm glad you're taking us along with you as you leap. It's inspiring to say the least. Much love to you and Gracie!
  • elizabeth
    Awesome post and very inspiring!
  • rmassingham
    An incredibly powerful message Elizabeth. Things happen - end of story. How we deal, cope and embrace each experience is what makes us stronger, wiser and in the end, better people. Thinking of you and Grace through this - and thanks for inspring with your strength!
  • Kathy
    I don't have anything to add to the amazing comments already posted here. But just wanted to add my prayers and good vibes to the whole pile you have received for Gracie's speedy recovery. Hugs--Kathy
  • sarachi
    We are our own makings, we make our own choices. Thank you EPW for turning shit into gold to inspire us. All the best to you and Gracie, looking forward to more of your exciting adventure.
  • I am really happy that you're taking the leap, and thrilled that Grace's tumor is gone.
  • Lily
    Good for you Elizabeth!

    Lily xo
  • Thank you. Thank you!
    My daughter took her own life 3 years ago. At a gathering some months later a woman said to me, "It all happens for a reason. God doesn't give you more than you can handle" It felt like I just stopped breathing for a moment. I couldn't respond without anger so I kept my mouth closed. God didn't give me anything, God didn't compel my daughter to take her life. But I do choose to create meaning. In honor of her life I embrace mine. In honor of her life I reach out to others who are hurting.
    Thank you again for sharing your thoughts here.
  • Tami Morello
    It's been life affirming for all of us to see the outpouring of support you've gotten from the on-line community. And now to hear you talk about seeing the awesome, choosing to leap is so inspiring - wow.
  • Wow. Glad that you're giving meaning to your shit. Glad that your daughter has you.
  • Sandraclarke
    I hear ya! When my daughter was born with heart defects that could not be repaired, I did the whole, "WHY?" thing. But now, three heart surgeries later I have am amazing, creative 16 year-old honor student [who wasn't supposed to survive]. I don't ask why anymore, but I am grateful for the lessons I learned along the way. Stay postive....blessings to you and Gracie. Sandra xoxo
  • LEAP! :D

    When my son broke his neck and we didn't know if he would even walk again, we didn't sit around lamenting either. Take it, embrace it, feel every minute. (yeah, even when it hurts...)

    Whatever happens, I know you will be fine. :) Even recognizing turning points helps spin you in the right direction.
  • HannahCB
    Hugs Elizabeth. Love the last line :)
    What's happens happens, that's reality, and dwelling on what could have been is like wishing for a parallel universe where shit never happens. I always think it's not what happens to us but how we deal with it that defines who we are.
  • So many people want to blame somebody, sue somebody every time something bad happens, I am so glad to read this blog. Elizabeth is right, shit happens. It is called life! If you are going to live your truth, realize that you are going to have shit happen and you will have to deal with it. If shit didn't happen, it would be called Heaven. So, until you are in Heaven, expect shit to hit the fan once and awhile. If you have helped others clean up their shit, you can reasonably expect them to help you through yours. Elizabeth, your example will help people so much more than anything else you have ever done, you can't even imagine it. Your friends actions are doing the same. God Bless you and yours.
  • Brilliant.
    Sometimes bad shit just happens. And sometimes awesome shit happens. And ultimately, life is awesome with the love of friends and family, some major laughs, and a true appreciation for what we do have.
    #loveyou
  • shannonshort
    "And sometimes awesome shit happens." *Deep sigh and smile* And it's kind of all awesome in the end because we get the gift of being here on this earth with each other to experience it. :-) Even the bad shit somehow comes out smelling like roses in the end. We are a lucky bunch who can see life this way!
  • lorilatimer
    Yes, sometimes bad shit happens. And when it does, it's who we choose to be that defines who we are. You have shown over and over who you are, and it's easy to see why Gracie is such a happy and spunky little girl.

    Lots of love and prayers to both of you.

    xoxo
  • "Who we choose to be defines who we are." I completely agree, and in part that is why I keep following Elizabeth and others I've met through her tweetchats, this tribe of people is all committed to defining and growing self, to getting out there in whatever way we can, and to supporting each other in the process.
  • TomMcFeeley
    EPW: Been thinking a lot about that question and the law at attraction that's all the rage. I'm with you. Bad shit just happens sometimes. And the way we react to it is our destiny.

    So many prayers for you and Gracie. I feel helpless, so if there is ANYTHING you need, call, text, tweet, whatever!

  • Elizabeth you are such an amazingly strong and inspirational woman.

    My little Julia is the same age as Gracie and I can't even begin to imagine going through all of this.

    If there is any way I can help... please let me know. I'm sending lots of prayers your way.
  • Every day, I find myself whirling deeper and deeper into the stickiness of "this isn't fair." One day, I'll be able to tell the story about how this post affected my life. Right now, there are too many tears. Thank you for all of your awesomeness... you have no idea...
  • Ima Leapin'
  • love that
  • meganmatthieson
    Ur making me cry and I just woke up. ooo
  • When I was younger, people told me that bad things happened for a reason. There are some that believe that we are here on this earth to be tested and that we have to face certain challenges to see how we rise to the occasion. There are others that believe in karma and other philosophies that we somehow have brought these things upon ourselves.

    My personal philosophy lies somewhere near the former. I think that God wants us to face trials, but that it's not due to anything we've done. But, I do believe that we will be rewarded on some level for those trials. I know that with my genetic disorder, I have been blessed to grow closer to people I may never have known. I know that the genetic disorder has made me humble and given me an inner strength. And, I know that in providing service to me, the lives of others have been blessed.

    Nothing you or Grace did caused her to go through these trials. But, I know her life will be enriched because of them. Both of you will learn and grow, and through your "grace" under pressure you will enrich the lives of others.
  • Sooo glad to hear that Grace is doing well after the surgery.

    I know watching over your child in a hospital has to rank as one of the most gut-wrenching experiences a parent has to take. I respect and love that you choose the awesome, and to find your own meaning in the shit.

    My boyo is special to me for so many reasons, not least as he is the sole survivor of a season of loss (10 pregnancies for one live child). For myself, I too chose to find meaning and strength in it, rather than bemoan losses I could not control or change.

    Here's to many more meaningful moments with Grace by your side.
  • MissMandie
    OMG Tracy, the things we can learn from the comments in a blog. Losing 10 pregnancies...I can only imagine. I lost one and that was enough.

    Elizabeth - am so pleased that Gracie is doing well and that you've gleaned the meaning of it all for you. That's all we can do isn't it? Finding that meaning and move onwards and upwards xx
  • JoyFull_deb
    love this post....when you take that leap, you're given wings to fly....to soar and in doing so, find what really gives meaning to life and why it is such a precious gift. And, as you have stated, you've learned who your true friends are...hold on to them. They are a gift. Much loe to you and Grace....you both are in my prayers (((HUGE HUGS)))
  • Alisa Rose
    What a BEAUTIFUL thought ~ from obsession into being.
    I feel that your magnificent answer of "we create our own meaning" is SPOT ON.

    May I share a recent and ongoing experience that made me ask the same questions as you are ( not for the first time, I might add)?.....In very early February this year, I was doing very well, had experienced a superbly Self-affirming ( as contrasted to my more common self-doubt), wonderful, LOVING day, at the end of which I "received" major pelvic and wrist shattering injuries.
    Hospitalization and months of confinement ensued.
    The injury experience occurred while I was peaceful, calm, careful and conscious. Seemingly a "fluke", and inexplicable. I am still majorly dancing with/dealing with the constant physical pain, physical healing, the bills, and the "understanding" and the blessings.

    Your again magnificent description of how you have thus far been blessed says it all ( well, ok, most of it).

    Keep on Leaping and Heart Dancing !

    Sending Love to You & Grace,

    Alisa Rose
    @AmbianceEco


  • Sending prayers to you and your beautiful daughter. Thank you for this post, especially the reminder to go from "asking to action." That is very powerful.
  • This is a fabulous post. Thank you. <3
  • Sherree
    There are no words. I can't wait to see where you and Gracie land after your leap. You are both awesome.
  • A great message, Elizabeth.

    No, not everything "happens for a reason."

    Successful and happy people, on the other hand, do happen for a reason.

    Best wishes to you and Grace!
  • When bad things happen to me, I never ask why but what -- what am I supposed to learn from this? Looks like you've learned some wonderful things. I'm just so, so happy that Gracie is in the world.
  • JackiYo
    You are awesome. Gracie is awesome. I can't put into words what I'm thinking right now (combo of heat and needing bed), so I'm just going to give you a big high five and chest bump for being you.
  • Alison Kramer
    "I choose to see the awesome. I choose to leap."

    wow. brilliant. true. love....
  • You and Grace have a thousand angels watching over you... You've been in my heart since I heard the news, and from what I've read, the hearts of countless others.

    Leap away, girl. And know we're here to cheer you on while you make it farther than you could have ever imagined...
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