enroute365

Acts of compassion, caring

So much has happened since my mother’s heart attack three weeks ago: long days of tests, Father’s hospital admittance for chest pain and 14 days of assisted living for both of my parents. Then, more doctors’ visits. With trips to my folks' hometown three hours away and medical services another hour -- one way -- the effort to cover the bases of work and family has been exhausting.

This is why I like to look past all the subsequent hurdles, back to my father’s miracle … and to the deeds of a Good Samaritan on the night it all began.

One of the First Responders to Father’s early morning 911 call lived a few blocks away in this rural town of 400. In the past Jerry had purchased apples from my parents’ orchard ... deals negotiated by Dad. I use the term negotiated loosely. Not one for haggling, my father typically suggested, “pay me what you think they’re worth.” Sometimes he would further direct his customers to “leave the money on the kitchen table.” On this occasion, however, while preparing Mom for ambulance transportation to the hospital, Jerry recognized that although Dad had performed admirably up to this point, by now he was clearly rattled. He was in no shape to drive. On a good day, my father is now easily confused. And this was not a good day. To ensure Dad’s safe arrival at the medical center 20 miles away, Jerry arranged a ride for him, calling his son out of bed to drive Dad’s car.

After doctors at the small country hospital zapped my mother’s heart rate down to a manageable beat, it was determined that she needed additional cardiac care … at a second hospital an hour away. Jerry insisted that Dad notify my older sister. Insisted that he and his son would drive my father, but -- as Jerry relayed the story later -- somehow my father slipped out of the hospital without him, walker and all.

Jerry knew Dad’s car was low on gas. Knew there were only two filling stations in town. And, luckily, Jerry knew the police chief personally. A few calls was all it took to locate Father … and to have the proprietor stall him with donuts at the nearest service station. There, Dad was surprised, yet relieved, when Jerry showed up to drive him to the hospital to meet up again with Mother.

By the time my older sister and I arrived at the Mason City hospital -- as the sun began to rise several hours later -- Jerry was seated with my father in the downstairs cafeteria, making sure Dad was eating.

Jerry began this overnight journey with my father as a public servant, a First Responder, but by the time daylight had broken through, he had moved far beyond that role, looking after Dad as he might his own parent.

I’d like to think that I live in a world filled with Jerrys; that we all are caring neighbors for each other. That compassion comes of its own accord in spite of inconvenience. And that it is its own reward.

As I related Jerry’s actions to my mother hours later, she turned to me with laughter in her eyes. “You know that Jerry’s married to that girl who beat you up before school, right?” she asked.

No. I've been away a long time.

And now, somehow, Jerry is even more of a hero in my eyes.

Finding good (a year later)

Once again today, I beg your indulgence as I recycle stories from my archive. For today I chose one that brings me hope whenever I feel the world is out-of-control ... that reminds me to put aside my personal agenda whenever I can contribute to the greater good.

From time to time, I’ve fretted over the degree of hatred being unleashed across continents and peoples. Every day, headlines give evidence to new hostilities. But, I’ve rationalized, the stories of love and humanity don’t always get the best coverage.

Four weeks ago, however, I knew the world was in bad shape. Knew, because I’d caught one too many commentaries on TV. I didn't have to ponder; the talking heads spelled it out. Said we all knew the mess the world was in.

Maybe the moderator and panel experts were right. That’s what I believed one Saturday morning in March. And why I’m glad for the perspective of that same afternoon.

3:00 p.m. I was in a hurry. I’m always in a hurry. I had just left one event and was busily checking items off my To Do list before heading home. One last stop to pick up craft supplies.

I entered the art store with a sense of purpose and moved directly to the specialty paper section. There, I found myself stymied by choices. In the background I heard the cashier greet a customer at the counter. I held a paper up to the light, faintly aware that a monologue had begun.

“If you take the time, you'll find a silent bond that unites us.”

Sharing a bath (revisited)

As I noted Sunday, I'm taking a blogging break to focus on work demands. So, this week, I am re-publishing some archived posts. This one, "Sharing a bath" was written a year ago and the story within it proved to me that nature has many stories to tell and many lessons to share ... if I will only pay attention!

Only days ago I was trying to make peace with the interruptions that take me away from planned activities. Trying to schedule time for spontaneity (impossible) and friends (essential). Then, as it often does, I found my dilemma parodied in nature, just outside my back door.

I was hard at work in my home-office when I heard a minor ruckus at the birdbath. I looked out the window and saw a plump robin enthusiastically cleaning himself. I grabbed my camera and headed for a better view.

Seemingly oblivious to all around him, the bird dunked his head in the water, then rose up, feathers puffed out and wings fluttering eradically. Water spattered about as he shook himself dry, only to submerge himself and flap about again and again.

This robin was committed to his cleanliness and even as I chuckled at the sight of his water-logged noggin, (click on photo at left to enlarge), I marveled at his dedication to the task at hand.

Suddenly, without warning, a sparrow flew down, entering the scene. For a few seconds all grew quiet as each bird seemed to size-up the other. I could imagine the robin's reaction. “Who are you to intrude on my bath? Can't you see I'm busy here? You'll have to wait your turn.” But, after a few brief moments, he hopped to the side of the basin, making room for the smaller bird.

I pulled my face away from the camera and watched as two sets of flapping wings sent water spraying. Like synchronized swimmers, their feathers flew in water, then air, water, air. The robin's movements were less vigorous than before, perhaps in deference to his little companion.

Within the space of a minute, the show was over and the birds flew off in different directions. I walked away convinced that we all must make room for connections. Such is the nature of life. I can move to the side and flutter at a slower pace in order to share a small courtesy. Or, maybe, make a new friend.

If you liked this story (or just like birds!) check out my other bird-related posts:

• "The Eagle had Landed"
• "Dirty Bird"

Butterfly wisdom

What words come to mind when you see a butterfly?

Renewal? Tranquility? Freedom?

Before taking this picture (click to enlarge), I marveled at the false eyes in the design of this butterfly's wings. The word "wonder" came to mind as I considered how these small markings served to protect the creature. Then, watching the insect flutter about in leisurely fashion, I came to feel a peace in its presence. I was experiencing "tranquility."

The butterfly has become a metaphor for a wide range of concepts and feelings ... metaphors expressed throughout time and regardless of place. And that is why I'd like to share with you some of favorite butterfly quotations from around the world:

Happiness --

Happiness is as a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. -- Nathaniel Hawthorne, American short-story writer and novelist

When a small child, I thought that success spelled happiness. I was wrong, happiness is like a butterfly which appears and delights us for one brief moment, but soon flits away. -- Anna Pavlova, Russian ballerina

Living in the moment --

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. --Rabindranath Tagore, Indian poet, playwright and essayist

Reality --

Once I dreamed I was a butterfly, and now I no longer know whether I am Chuang Tzu, who dreamed I was a butterfly, or whether I am a butterfly dreaming that I am Chuang Tzu. -- Chuang Tzu, Chinese philosopher

Hope/potential --

Do ye not comprehend that we are worms born to bring forth the angelic butterfly that flieth unto judgment without screen? --Dante Alighieri, Italian author and poet

Here's wishing you a day filled with butterflies ... however you choose to see them!

Bloggers who dare to divulge

Who knew that blogging took courage? Well, probably everyone who has overcome self-doubt to the point of publishing a weblog! But within this group are a few who push the envelope on bravery even further. They dare to divulge their imperfections, their fears and struggles with utter honesty.

I admire that. While most blog evangelists advocate using the blogosphere to establish oneself as an expert -- and, to clarify, I'm NOT bashing that use; it's a very smart way for consultants and businesses to go -- some brave souls use their blogs to reveal their deepest humanity. Counter to current trends, these bloggers openly admit that they don't have all the answers, but they are willing to start the discussions about personal challenges that certainly others also struggle with.

By revealing their battles -- and so very publicly -- they show me that it's okay to be less than perfect, physically or mentally. They offer a means in which together we can explore human frailties and coping or success strategies. The gift of these brave bloggers is in opening the dialogue. A dialogue where synergies can be born. And, where I believe, where real solutions are found.

What could be more inspirational?

One of these courageous bloggers is Cheryl Wright. I've been reading Cheryl's Perspectives on Life for several months now. Upon my initial visit to her site -- covering a variety of life topics -- I found that I disagreed with one of the very first posts I read. But, because she is such a thoughtful writer, I kept reading. I appreciated her perspective even when my viewpoint was different and ultimately I was hooked! Still, it's only been in recent days that Cheryl was added to my "brave bloggers" list ... and that's because she had enough inner strength to admit -- without apology or excuse -- that's she's something of a perfectionist. Cheryl was able to honestly, but succinctly, discuss this personal challenge. Realizing she's not alone, Cheryl also invites input which I, for one, am happy to offer as perfectionism is something that's also a stumbling block for me more often than I care to admit. (And, Cheryl, I want you to know that I'm writing this without the use of a spell-checker!)

Hmmm ... someone in a position of adversity finds the courage to undertake a challenge for the common good. It's the definition of a hero ... and it sounds like Cheryl -- and others like her -- to me!

Let's talk about those "others." Some blogs are completely built on such bravery. They include:

• Merely Me's Multiple Synchronicities (and sclerosis) about life struggles with illness
• Free to be Me with ADHD, a blog about accepting this attention span disorder
• Storied Mind, a blog relating to depression

Perhaps a tad less courageous (it's anonymous), is a blog that let's us all commiserate with others or laugh at our mutual imperfections: I am Neurotic publishes anonymous postings about neurotic tendencies any one of us might have. As such, it's a means for the rest of us -- those not quite so brave -- to share as well!

Years ago I was asked who my heroes were. I struggled for weeks and finally had to admit that I had none. That has now changed for me. These writers and their blogs are wonderful examples of personal heroism by taking the lead on such inner honesty! And so I salute them ... and encourage you to visit their sites ... if you dare to share!

What issue(s) do you struggle with?  What has your experience with it taught you about yourself? About life and its challenges?

How to weather a storm

I had hoped I was done writing flooding posts, but news coverage now informs me that, counter to expectations, levees are being breached in downtown Des Moines as swollen rivers channel through the city. So, before my spouse and I head out the door to lend a hand, I've decided to reach back into the archives to this wonderful legacy from my maternal grandmother ... one that reminds me I know how to weather a storm ...

I was five. My father had just called my siblings and me in from the lake which our backyard abutted.  I struggled to bring in an air mattress twice my size. Impatient, Dad barked, “Leave it. Come now!”  This wasn’t the usual advice from my parents when it came to my playthings, but I could tell from the tone of his voice that Dad wasn’t kidding. Something was wrong.

As I ran toward my father, I became aware of the wind tugging my cargo from my grip. My air mattress! I turned to see it bounding over what were now waves on the lake. “Forget it! Come now,” my father demanded.

My sisters and I were quickly routed through the back door and into the basement. We huddled inside against a cinder block wall as the storm broke loose outside. The light from the casement window dimmed and my parents spoke in hushed voices as my older sister tried to explain what a tornado was.

Grandma called to us. Over in the corner she had set up a card table and candle and was now busily setting out our crayons. “Here, girls,” she beckoned.

My parents remained by the window as my older sister Lynette and I began drawing. The rain stopped. At first I thought the storm was over. Then, our ears began to pop. My mother gasped as a thin stream of light appeared through a crack all along the top of the basement wall. “Get back in the corner,” mother ordered.

Grandma quickly parceled out gum and gently pulled my hand back to the paper. “Why don’t you draw the sun,” she suggested. “And, keep chewing your gum.”

At first I wasn’t sure how to draw a sun. But Grandma guided me. “First draw a circle,” she said. “Then, draw lines. Like this,” she advised, using a small corner of the paper. My drawing was no sooner complete than Lynette held it in comparison to her own. “You draw like a baby,” my older sister teased. My grandmother thought my sun was just fine. But I could see the difference: Lynette’s sun rays did not touch the orb of the sun. I drew several more in practice ... with Grandma guarding my crayons.

My parents soon said the storm was over. I could feel their relief. Dad went outside first. My raft was long gone and my favorite tree littered the yard.

Later I heard how the storm, a tornado, passed directly over the lake. How our home was pulled askew on its foundation. And how fortunate we had been. But what I really learned on this day was how to weather a storm. How when you create your own sunshine, fears are forgotten. And how wonderful it is to have Grandmother in your corner.

So, now it's time to go and see if I can create sunshine -- or at least bring a ray of light -- for someone else as, together, we weather this storm, this flood.

Where do you find inspiration? Part Three

Where do people find inspiration?

At the end of a long week seeking inspiration, I'd like to take one last foray into the topic ... by peeking into the perspectives of these bloggers who find inspiration everywhere.

In a recent post, Steve Collins at Acidlabs has this to say, "I think people who, like me, are curious by nature, find inspiration in the world around them as their neverending thirst for information and knowledge seeks to be quenched."

That curious bunch encompasses authors and artists like these:

Sarita Leone is a published writer who blogs at The Lark Journals. In a January post entitled, "Inspiration in Unlikely Places," she recalls being asked where she found inspiration for her stories. "The answer was an easy one. Everywhere. I find inspiration everywhere. I think that as long as we keep our eyes, ears and even our noses open, we can become inspired.

Several glass artists featured in an Etsy Glass post had similar views. Sheryl Brink  claims to be inspired "every where I go and in everything I do. It doesn’t matter if I am awake or sleeping ... sometimes I write things down in the middle of the night ... and sometimes I have a revelation walking down the aisles at a Target (go figure)."  The same is true for Dee Tilotta who says she get that creative spark "in so many things -- a morning sunrise, my dogs running  through the fields, the  sound of water from a fountain, from reading a good book, and so many everyday  things."

Of course, you don't have to be a creative type to become inspired.  We all have the potential to be transported to that realm of heightened understanding and new possibilities. But there's a flip-side: from time-to-time, we all also hit mental roadblocks. Times when our imaginations fail us. So maybe the question I should be asking is this:  What do we do then? How can we pull ourselves out of these ruts?

As I scanned the blogosphere, I came across an answer that seemed to pop off the screen. Lisa at Paper Fashions writes for scrapbookers, but her words can apply to any of us. "... inspiration is all around us. We only have to look or perhaps look at a  different angle to see it... So next time you get stuck, start looking everywhere and at different angles and in new ways. You are bound to find inspiration that will get you going again." In a nutshell, change your perspective. That's great advice for any endeavor!

See Lisa's complete post ... and check out these other inspiration-themed posts, published earlier this week on Enroute 365: 

• Remembering the Miracle
• Fruit for Thought
• Where do You FInd Inspiration? Part One
• Where do You Find Inspiration? Part Two

Where do you find inspiration? Part Two

Today I continue to examine inspiration by exploring varied sources of wonder and ideas.

Where do people find inspiration? I returned to the blogosphere for answers:

People.

Many of us find other people inspiring, including family and friends. Linda at Uncommon Adventures writes, "sometimes I find inspiration and motivation from within ... sometimes I find it in the words or actions of others." (Read post.) At SheStory.tv, Scott L. Schwatz is quoted as saying he derives inspiration from "children’s laughter. It is perhaps the last source of innocence we have left in this world." (See the full interview.)

Environment.

Our environments can also be a source of awe. Take Arum Girl from Australia who draws upon her hometown of Adelaide, "where I easily navigate the streetscape, window shop ... and  find inspiration in my surroundings." (Read more). Many artists find that nature fires up their creative juices. Like Lisa at Lil Fish Studios. In a recent interview published at the Elizabeth Anne Designs blog, Lisa notes that "Living under the jack pine and poplar in Minnesota, surrounded by nature, I find inspiration in the color, textures, and patterns it provides me." (View the complete post).

We've covered words, people and environment ... and we still haven't tapped all the various sources of inspiration! In part three, find more places to catch that spark!

Inspiration-themed posts, published earlier this week on Enroute 365:

• Remembering the Miracle
• Fruit for Thought
• Where do You FInd Inspiration? Part One

Where do you find inspiration? Part One

In my last two posts I've considered that inspiration may be nothing more than a reminder that we exist within a miraculous universe, and that by becoming mindful of those miracles we are inspired (see Remembering the Miracle and Fruit for Thought). Those concepts ring true for me, but what's the reality?  Where in the world are people finding inspiration? I went to the blogosphere to find out:

Words.

There are people, like me, who find inspiration from the written word. Take Krista at Red Five, who in a recent post admitted, "I find inspiration in the wise and witty words of others and have quotes written down all over the house -- in notebooks, on dry erase boards, inside books ... on sticky notes stuck all over." Can you can relate?

Weblogs can also be inspirational. Hulagirl (at Hulagirl at Heart) says she's gained inspiration "in reading posts from all kinds of folks from all over the world. Hearing about their daily struggles when it comes to relationships, child rearing and personal growth gives me insight, hope and and education." (Read full post). Creative types, like Melissa at Simply Pink,  also benefit from viewing blogs. View her  top blog picks to see where you can gain creative ideas. Then there is Terri at Home at Last Farm who has compiled a nice list of inspiring sites (check it out here). She is also inspired by poetry -- Edna St. Vincent Millay, Robert Frost, and Christina Rosetti are favorites -- and famous role models (see her posts from Feb 4 and Feb 5).

In part two, learn other other bloggers find the spark of inspiration in people, art and nature.

Inspiration: remembering the miracle

I've been thinking about inspiration lately ... probably because I need a dose! So this week, I'm going to focus on this unique need within the human spirit.

Long ago I realized that color energizes me (see my earlier post, "The nature of color"). Quotes and personal stories can also lift up my spirits. And nature ... but not today. My mind has already turned to spring and the monochromatic hues of winter seem lifeless by comparison.

I see the deer traversing through my backyard and wonder if the season has become as dreary for them as it has for me. Do animals see beauty? Can they marvel in the elaborate patterns seen nature? Like the intricate designs on a butterfly's wing --functional as well as beautiful. Or the delicate petals of the smallest blossom. I wonder. Perhaps they are so involved with day-to-day survival that aesthetic indulgence is a luxury they cannot afford. But I'll never know.

What I do know is this: ultimately I decide what, for me, is inspirational and what is drudgery. Sometimes it is only a matter of taking a closer look at what is before me that makes all the difference as I implied in the post  "Small wonder." Other times, I need to take wider look to take in the big picture. As Dr. Paul G. Ellis has noted,  "Any place can be inspirational when you recognise that our Earth is itself a 'heaven' of sorts ..."

That having been said, I'd like to repost his thought-provoking YouTube video (originally featured in  July 2007). On this gray day, I need the reminder that I'm living within a miracle. And maybe that reminder is all that inspiration really is. [length 1:34]