From the Shores of the Ottawa River

I am blessed. Today I started another year around the sun.  looking back on what I wrote about my siblings, I feel sadness and grief.  I had ten brothers and five sisters.

Over the years I have experienced the loss of five brothers and one sister. Many nieces and nephews. a nephew, Sean John just two weeks ago. And my brother Roger one year ago today. It’s difficult not to feel sadness and grief. Still, I am forever grateful to have  walked part of my journey with my siblings. I’ve learned from them, we  laughed, and  we enjoyed meals together.

Death is a part of life. And is a poignant reminder that life is short. All we have is this moment. Be kind and compassionate  and forgive every day, start a new day without resentment or anger. 

Through the years I’ve pondered this question.

Have I been lucky or unlucky in life?

1. When I was a toddler, I got very sick. bad luck, they said.
2. I went to the hospital off and on through my childhood. Good luck they said, I was fed cared for, and I got to watch TV. which we didn’t have at home.
3. I was sent to Indian residential school, bad luck they said.
4. There I cultivated lifelong friends. I was introduced to the library and fell in love with books. Good luck they said.
5. A few years ago, doctors discovered I had myxoma ( 5 centimeters tumor in my heart. bad luck they said. I live in a country with universal heathcare. Good luck they said.
6. I had a right brain stroke during surgery to remove the tumor. Bad luck they said. I learned about neurology and discovered at least I was alive. Good luck they said . It was always up to me how I interpret my life journey. I choose to see the brighter side. I have been both lucky and unlucky in life.

We should be curious  about our worldview.  Sometimes bad things happen but nothing is personal. it happened, and your perspective makes it either a lucky thing or bad luck. You are in control.

Our mind is powerful our perspective can either make you happy or unhappy. Happy birthday to me!!!