A series of essays.....
.....as seen through my eyes!
By: Jacqueline E. Hughes
I always chide myself when it comes to being able to ride this roller coaster called life with dignity and grace.
It really isn't the fun filled ride we expected it to be when we were, considerably, younger. "I can't wait to grow up and be an adult. Then I can say and do (and eat) whatever I want!" Naiveté back then may have lasted until the ripe old age of twelve to fourteen years old. Today, sadly, a child must grow up quickly and witness a transparent world through war, acts of terror, poverty, and hate in order to survive and have the opportunity of becoming a productive adult.
Don't get me wrong! My career as a bonafide adult has had its grand share of 'ups' and I feel grateful and blessed by them every day. Perched high above the world we show our exhilaration by extending our hands straight above our heads, eyes and mouths wide open, literally anticipating the downward thrust.....gravitational pull that is certain to follow.
This now becomes a test of our ability to survive whatever life has in store for us, make us think, take stock, and reevaluate what is important in our life. It may only be a small, shallow depression into the depths of the unknown; enough to play with the emotions but not enough to change or turn our lives around forever. But, it has an impact, one way or another, and how we choose to handle it is strictly up to us.
Recently, good friends of ours have had to cancel a trip they were to make with us due to recent health issues. Fortunately, these issues are being taken care of through the power of modern medicine and the generous amount of love and compassion shared by so many good friends and family members.
In an instant, life and plans can change leaving us to either make the best of a situation or flounder in the aftermath like a fish out of water.
My heart was heavy and a genuine feeling of sadness engulfed every ounce of my being. Instantly, I recognized that my sadness was not about me at all! Rather, it was about our friends. I would be okay. I was still going to travel with Dan by my side and experience new places and meet interesting people along the way. My personal sadness revolved around the fact that this would not be our time to share our experiences together with these good friends. I firmly believe that with plenty of faith and hope, we'll all be planning another trip together in the near future.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, especially the feelings of sorrow or anguish. With so many of us today embroiled in conflicts of health issues, money matters, retirement security, and the welfare of our own aging parents, the feeling of empathy for others is a humbling trait that we might all aspire to.
I believe with all my heart in the basic importance of being empathetic towards our fellow travelers along the path of life. Often it's easier for us to understand the pain of others if we have already experienced similar circumstances along this meandering roller coaster ride. However, by opening up our hearts to each possible experience that may affect all of us, in general, allows us to perceive their anguish in a brighter light and be better equipped to help them cope with it.
Who doesn't want to see someone smile after they've had a good, long cry? The sorrow has been expressed through the tears and the joy of a new beginning is strengthened by the possibility of a brighter future. To have been cuddled and comforted along the way is the ultimate feeling of optimism and well-being.
Susan Cheever, an American author, once wrote, "Dogs are great teachers. They are at home in the world. They live in the moment, and they force us to stay there with them. Dogs love us unconditionally, not for our bodies or bank accounts." And, I believe we're all suspicious of people who don't like dogs! I apply this same theory to people who do not show empathy for their fellow man.
Nobody sits at the top of the roller coaster indefinitely. Eventually, even the most privileged of us will dive down from his golden perch to face reality. When that time comes, for me, personally, I want to know that family and friends will be there to hold my hand, shed a tear or two with me, and feel my pain. And then...together...we will work on picking-up the pieces and begin the uphill climb to happiness once again.
With grace and dignity we should all be aware of not only our own personal feelings, but understand that we're all riding this crazy roller coaster called life together, for better or worse.
Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved
