Humbled

Humbled!!    

To know what it’s like to walk in another person’s shoes! That will be the meaning of this blog this week.

On Facebook and social media I share and like many positive posts and quotes because the brighter outlook has always been by path. If you truly know me as a friend or co-worker you know this about me.

Today, I was enlightened by a family at the airport, Why? Because not once but twice I have walked in their shoes.… How you ask?? Let me share..

Today as I sit at the airport in Texas, I could not help but to notice a family with Make A Wish on their shirts and a child wearing the famous blue shirt and badge, just like the one my Rachel once wore 10 years ago. It is amazing how for some vacations are a memory of pleasure and joy. For my family and I it was break from the suffering. A reminder of cancer, struggles and the pain our baby had suffered in order to get that blue shirt. The Make A Wish trip was the awesome focal point to the end of our tunnel. A trip, a getaway and a fun filled vacation where doctors and hospitals were not our focus.

I felt blessed and somewhat joined to this family as I witnessed their excitement to go on this awesome trip. I witnessed the priority treatment by Southwest Airlines and all the crew. They met the pilot, got a first class seats and all the beverages and snacks they wanted. I witnessed the excitement of the family to catch a break from whatever illness their child is/was battling.

I listened as the airline crew announced over the loud speaker that a Make A Wish family was on board and everyone clapped including me. I watched the family cry and wipe away tears. But I wondered did everyone on the plane really understand the way I did?? How many people on this plane had been effected by cancer or an illness of a child?? As the flight continued I thought of my life and my children. I thought of our blessings..

Now you are probably thinking BLESSING??? Geez Josie both your kids have had cancer, how is that a blessing. The thing about cancer, children and life experiences is the knowledge you gain. You can easily overlook the opportunity to learn and grow from your experience, or embrace it and gain the power of knowledge.

I used my knowledge today, to recognize this beautiful family. Every tiny moment of hope and love that they shared and the excitement that this trip is bringing to all of them. This will be a vacation, a memory of a lifetime, and most importantly a break from the battle. 

I could not help myself but to share my number and email with this family. Thinking if I can be of some positive hope to this family, help them to be inspirited, and share my knowledge. Then my own children’s suffering and pain would all be worthwhile. 

Right or wrong, I belief God has taken me down this path to enlighten others, guide them, love them, and support them on their journeys. To always look for the positive blessings and share all I know.

I challenge all of my readers to take a look around be present, be thankful and loving to each other. That truly is a blessing in its self. Thank you, Make A Wish and Southwest Airlines for the priority treatment for this family and many others like them. You will all be blessed beyond belief for your continued kindness. And to my readers if we all just open our eyes and look around you will find ways to bless others.  God Bless!!