Immediately following the death of a loved one, or after a significant loss in your life, there usually comes a period that can be described as darkness. This is more a feeling that an actual lack of light. I remember that it seemed that everything was faded. I didn’t see the viridescent vegetation in my garden or the spectrum of blues in the ocean while I stood on the beach. Everything around me lost its brilliance.

The television show Call the Midwife stirs me every time I watch an episode.  I see in each episode births and deaths and how these events affect all who are present. One character said “Darkness is beautiful or how else shall we shine.” We see constant reminders of people helping people, supporting them in their times of need. There are so many wonderful examples of people helping others in ways that they can bring beauty into the darkness.

I once was walking downtown and slipped on the wet sidewalk. I fell hitting the ground hard. Immediately I saw a homeless man next to me who checked to see if I had been injured then helped me to my feet. I thanked him as he disappeared behind others who just stood there watching.

I wanted to go to a dance exercise class shortly after we moved to Maui, but I was hesitant leaving Ron by himself because I never knew when he would have to be rushed to the hospital. One of the men who was working on repairs for our house heard our conversation and said he would love to stay with Ron because they both enjoyed their conversations. I loved the class I got to attend.  We danced the whole time I was there, so I didn’t get to interact with the participants. I missed a class because Ron was in the hospital, and the next week when I came back, there was a big basket full of treats for Ron from cookies to fruits and even books to read. They brightened a dark time in our life.

Once Ron became weak and was having trouble breathing when we left seeing a movie. I got Ron seated and remembered that his doctor had just prescribed an emergency kit of three different prescriptions for him to take on his way to the hospital if something like this happened. As I turned to find where I could get some water, a man was standing behind me with a cup of water.  He had noticed Ron having trouble and had found a cup of water for him in perfect timing.

These and so many more instances have been there for me in dark times. I am always on the lookout for ways to helps others in their darkness. And I always remember these shining points of light people have been for me exactly when I needed them.

Shine your light, and always be grateful when someone’s light shines on you.

 

 

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