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by Carol Burnside
I’ve had times in my life when I’ve been positively euphoric with bliss. Times when it seems like I’m overwhelmed with good fortune. I remember falling in love and feeling as if my heart would burst from my chest with happiness. There were many days after my children were born when my life was so full of love I wasn’t sure my heart could hold all the joy.
I have known deep sorrow and grief the likes of which I didn’t think I could survive. Yet I’m still here.
There is a lot going on with my extended family these days. I won’t depress you with all the details. Let’s just say I’ve been bombarded with devastating news and keep the tissues handy. Unfortunately there will be worse news before this hard-to-breathe period is over. There’s no getting ’round it, I’m afraid.
Some days my heart is so heavy with sorrow, I struggle to find the happiness in each day, struggle to draw air in and out of my lungs because of the suffocating weight.
Yet the joy of life is there, in my marriage, in the voices of my children, in the friendships that keep me sane, in the process of writing. I pray. I give thanks for them and cling to those tidbits of good, reminding myself of all I have. Those things help me to just breathe.
In. Out.
In. Out.
Just breathe.
by Carol Burnside
11 comments
Carol, I’m touched with the simplicity of your message. Life is a series of ups and downs and everyone will, sooner or later, have to face a moment when they can’t change circumstances, all they can do is pray and breath in and out.
I’m praying for you and your family as you go through some valleys right now.
Sandy
Carol, this is a beautifully written and inspiring piece. I’ll be thinking about you and praying for you.
Carol,
What a beautiful message. I’m so sorry you’re going through this terrible time and we appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us.
You will be in our prayers.
Marilyn
I read in a writing book that a sign of a great writer is how easily they can rip an emotion from their reader in the shortest amount of words. You’ve done it.
My heart is with you and your family.
Tami
Carol,
My heart goes out to you. I have found that if I think in one day at a time and appreciate what I can find in the day it helps. Still somedays it does seem impossible to breath.
Carol,
Man do I know what you’re talking about.
Somedays the Breathe credo is all that can get you thorough the day.
I will light a candle for you and yours, for strength and hope.
Blessed Be.
Great message, and one that was timed perfectly. Thanks Carol!
Elaine
Thank you all for your kind words. You have me all choked up this morning.
Lovely words. Carol, you’ve touched my heart, too. I hate that you’re having to go through this, but it’s so good to be able to share both sorrows and joys with our blog sisters. You are in my prayers.
Carol,
You are in my prayers to have strength in the harder times to come. I know that you will. You seem like such a strong person.
I am sorry you are going through this difficult time. I hope your heart remembers the happiness it has held.
There is little more suffocating or defining than grief. As my family underwent some devasting changes over the last year, I found that one of my first impulses was to write and incorporate my travails. Friends and family do help, but time is still the great healer.