The Fragility of Life and the Strength of Friendship
By Barbara Tortorella

They try to move their wheelchairs closer together so they can kiss each other’s cheeks. Unable to do so, they kiss each other’s hands. They cry as they look at each other, perhaps remembering their past when they were vibrant and healthy.

Theirs is a friendship that spans 60 years. A trusted friendship that speaks of both good times and bad in their lives. I once read that it’s the friends we meet along life’s path who help us with the journey. Now they are not able to help each other.

The irony is that they both had a stroke. Lucille had a stroke 15 years ago and Lee had her stroke seven years ago. I wonder when they look at each other, do they see the strong woman who worked to help support their families? They don’t talk about past times and memories of good times. The pain of loss runs deep and they grieve for each other. “What can we do they say with a sigh?” What hope do they carry in their hearts. Hope gives us the strength to deal with difficult times. Hope will never help them walk and cook and sew and iron and hang the laundry on the clothes line. It hurts to look back and it hurts to look ahead.

When I think about Lucille and Lee, it puts life in perspective. Having your health both mentally and physically is winning the jackpot. We often complain about the most mundane things like the weather. If all we ever have to complain about is the weather.....we hit the jackpot. They can never walk in the puddles or the snow. They can’t even make a snowball.

Everyday when you open your eyes is a good day. We have another chance to do it over and make changes that are within our control. We can choose how we are going to live. We miss the miracles in our lives. We can’t afford to waste time fretting about the mundane. We hold life in the palm of our hands. Go for it with zest. Remember, everyday is an opportunity to try again. Live in every experience. Live abundantly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Barbara Tortorella is a licensed Clinical Social Worker with C.A.R.E., LLC and a motivational speaker. You may call Barbara at (781) 659-1393 or email her at MSHoboken@aol.com.