Monday, October 25, 2010

Hold On – Help is on the Way

I was reminded this past weekend of the tenuous hold we have on Life.

I was also reminded how important every minute is with the people that matter to us.

As I write this today, I am grateful that my oldest son is alive – 48 hours ago, this mightn’t have been the case.

And as I sit here and wait for healthcare professionals to plan through next steps, I am grateful that his long term prognosis appears to be good.

48 hours ago, I wasn’t filled with gratitude.

I was filled with fear.

I was filled with grief.

I was filled with anxiety.

I was filled with anger.

My head was exploding with emotion.

But that wasn’t helping anyone, in particular my son.

It wasn’t helping me either.

In fact, it wasn’t doing anything positive for anyone.

In our personal and professional lives, we often find ourselves overwhelmed as we face decisions that impact ourselves and others or the need to understand “why” when we feel we are being crushed by the events around us.

And during those moments, we may find ourselves overwhelmed with many emotions, some that help us to survive and some that drag us down like a millstone around our neck.

Even during those moments, it is important to realize one thing.

As long as you are breathing, there is opportunity for hope.

There is opportunity for solutions.

There is opportunity for miracles.

And when you come to this realization as I did, you realize, as strange as it sounds, that you have something to be grateful for even as your world seems to be closing in around you.

Gratitude … an often overused word and yet a feeling that can provide the firm footing you need while you quiet the noise around you, giving you time to regroup.

Sometimes it is hard to find the things to be grateful for, especially in times of loss or pain.

But sometimes as the tempests blow around you, being grateful for the smallest thing can give you the glimmer of hope, the tiny seed of strength you need as you wait for the cavalry to arrive, bringing love, support and hope.

After all, if we don’t have hope that things can get better when they appear to be at their worst, what do we have at all?

If you feel pressured by the events of your Life, hold on – help is on the way.

And if you’re the cavalry, it’s time to mount up.  Someone needs your help today.

In service and servanthood,

Harry

For my Musings-in-a-Minute version of “Hold On – Help is on the Way”, please click here.

12 comments:

  1. Well said, Harry. My thoughts and best wishes are with you and yours.

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  2. Glad things are working out. If help is NOT on the way, is there another way?

    When my mother was passing away the Pastor came in and said that he had previously been visiting with another family who kept yelling at the doctors and nurses to save their father, but their efforts were to no avail. This family was distraught at what they were losing. The fear that gripped them was palpable.

    Whereas with our family my mother's slow 24-48 decline was met with a peace, a peace knowing that she was going to be with the Lord soon. The pain of losing her was there, but the comfort that she'd be in Heaven was an even greater comfort.

    I stayed with my mother and let my family go home and I'd call if things got worse. As my mother neared death the nurse said it would not be long. I called my family and told them to come in. As I sat there looking out the window I saw the sun begin to rise on the horizon. As my mother's physical death was fading her eternal life was "rising like the sunrise."

    We're all very grateful that we knew where my mother was going after this life as well as grateful for her full life.

    I'll say a prayer for you, Harry.

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  3. Thanks for your kind comment and warm wishes, Geoff.

    Create a great day.

    Harry

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  4. Hey Kevin,

    That is a beautiful story you have shared. I am grateful you shared such a powerful story with us.

    Thank you for your kind words and prayers.

    Create a great day.

    Harry

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  5. Harry thank you for writing this as it is something I hope everyone reads. The truth of your feelings is not something everyone can share. I can say Harry I know the feelings you are having of being helpless to do anything. The fear of loosing one of the most precious gifts in life a child. No matter the age the impact is profound with emotions and fears almost unbearable. All you have at this moment is "FAITH". I have watched my friends suffer from the loss with my best friends 4 year old son dying in his arms as he raced to the hospital. The night before I was playing with Christian and never thinking what could happen the next day it has stayed with me all my life. Or my other friend who's two sons were abducted by their mother to Poland and still to this date have never surfaced I have shared his pain. There is much pain out there Harry and we all will share yours with our compasion and open hearts. You are a wonderful person whom we love very much. We will always be here to support you as you have supported us in ways you will never fathom. For me personally I love you man and will continue to support you with my prayers. Thank You...

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  6. Dear Anonymous,

    Thank you for your very kind words, your words of support and for sharing the story of your friends also.

    My gratitude today, for my son and his long term prognosis and for the support of my wonderful friends and family was bursting to be expressed today and it came out in the form of this blog.

    I would like to know you more than as "Anonymous". If you wouldn't mind, I would appreciate you sending me an email ... info "at" harrytucker "dot" com.

    Thank you again for your kindness.

    Create a great day.

    Harry

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  7. Christopher RichardsonOctober 26, 2010 at 2:07 PM

    As I'm sure you have realized, Harry, many of your friends (myself included) are mounting up our cavalry to ride to your support. It is offered freely - without precondition or limitations. It comes in many forms - but you choose what you need the most - at whatever time.

    I can't stress this enough, friend.

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  8. Harry,
    I was thinking about you the other day and then received this link in my email. I was sorry to hear about your son and hope all is well and things work out for all of you for a positive future. Your story is so true. Too often we get caught up in the rat race of life and don't take the time to slow down to smell the roses and realize what truly is important in our lives...our family, our friends, our relationships... My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
    Janice

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  9. Hey Janice,

    Thank you for your kind words - I believe we have passed a significant turning point and things are looking much better for him.

    Thanks for reaching out. :-)

    Take care and create a great day!

    Harry

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  10. Hey Christopher,

    Thank you for your unlimited generosity. Outside of Love and Life, friendship is the greatest treasure we have .... and the actions of people like you remind me of this everyday! :-)

    Take care and create a great day!

    Harry

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  11. Hi Harry,
    Glad to hear that things are looking better for your Son and I pray that GOD continues to bless him and the Family. As always if there is anything that I can do please don’t hesitate to let me know.
    Always in my prayers.
    Lew

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  12. Hey Lew,

    Thank you my friend - I am grateful for your kind words and prayers. :-)

    Create a great day!

    Harry

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