While aspects of the world experience COVID-19 illness and death, the croaks of a thousand newly-hatched tree frogs eager for the life that awaits them and the honks of a gaggle of geese glad for the return to the comfort of their summer environs, remind me that also around the globe new life emerges and there will be a grateful return to the comfort of familiar life.
“Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.”
Day after day Mother Teresa personally encountered an unyielding number of poor, sick and unwanted. Yet, she relentlessly extended bodily and figurative touch through her deep well of compassionate love, returning to God when needing to replenish her cache of goodness. At this time of global illness and isolation, let us heed her call to see and touch the lonely, suffering and unwanted all around us, by whatever means we are able.
Today is the National Day of Encouragement! There is still time to offer a word of hope or a gesture that will have a positive impact on a person’s spirit. Who knows? Your acts of encouragement may have the effect of uplifting you as well!
Look beyond the grey of rainy days to find the beauty blossoming because of them…I spotted these delicate beauties after this week’s rains. Hope. Always.
“We do what we must” is the motto of the 2019 Coraggio Spirit Award recipient. “Assuming this is my one life and one chance to fight for it, so I must keep trying.” is her message. “I must keep trying.” is a foundation of the Coraggio theme to take charge of any aspect of a dire situation. With 5 intubations for breathing and 8 weeks of hospitalization because of myasthenia already this year, Ashley uses humor and positive messages in Facebook posts or with those she meets. For her courageous determination do what she must to take charge for her one life and one chance to fight for it, Ashley Cotten is awarded MG-MI’s 2019 Coraggio spirit award!
Pane di Pasqua (Italian Grandmother’s Easter Bread Tradition) Symbol of Easter’s Promises in our Italian Family. Daffodils survive and push through the blanket of last night’s snow!
Lisa Gigliotti is an attorney who has lived for more than twenty-five years with severe rheumatoid arthritis and serious myasthenia gravis. Through those years’ thirteen major surgeries and use of a wheelchair Lisa has maintained a fulfilling and positive life.