Lessons from Life Storms

      During the last couple of weeks, we have weathered one of our "life storms."  Everyday I ask my husband what am I learning from this trial?  I am growing weary and I'm not quite sure yet what the lesson is that I am learning.  Perhaps I am learning more patience, compassion for others, and gratitude for what we have.

      One of my heroes was a young boy, I first learned about him from the Oprah Show.  His name is Mattie Stepanek.  He passed away on June 22, 2004 but my memory of him and his beautiful poetry has not been forgotten.   He taught me so many lessons through his courage and unbelievable optimism despite suffering from a very rare form of muscular dystrophy.  The following paragraphs tell a little bit about him:

  11 year old Mattie Stepanek is living through a difficult storm. His mom, Jeni, also has the disease, which she didn't discover until after she had four children. Mattie's three siblings all died from the disease—but remarkably, Mattie recovered from a near-fatal sickness this past year. Though he still struggles with his illness, he is achieving great feats: earning a junior black belt in martial arts, homeschooling at the 11th grade level, and having his poetry published.
Three Wishes
Mattie has always had three wishes: to have his poems published, to meet his hero Jimmy Carter and to share his message of peace on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Now all three of his wishes have been granted. When Oprah asked Mattie why he chose those three things, he explained, "Because they were things that would last forever. Going to Disney World ends in a week. But being able to talk with Jimmy Carter, being able to have my books published, being able to talk to you here today, lasts forever."
What is a Heartsong?
Mattie has been writing poetry since he was three years old. "I write to express my thoughts and feelings," he explains. You hear the word "heartsongs" a lot in his work. "Your heartsong is your inner beauty," says Mattie. "It's the song in your heart that wants you to help make yourself a better person, and to help other people do the same. Everybody has one."

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     We all have life storms. Times in our lives that are extremely sad, scary, angry. And instead of just suffering through them, and then afterwards just sitting, crying and waiting to be wiped out by the next one, we should celebrate together that we got through. And when the next one comes along, work through and pull through and celebrate again."

    Mattie reminds all of that after every life storm that we need to play.

      A quick update on our electrical problems is as follows.  Not much is working in our house still.  However, we did find out the problem a week ago Thursday.  Our house and the Children's Justice Center were the only two homes affected by an open neutral line that was on a transformer owned by Rocky Mountain Power.  I am certainly not an electrician but as it was explained to me by our electrician; he told us that Thomas Edison was a brilliant man.  There are two lines of power that come into our homes.  Each line carries 120 volts making a total of 240.  Then there is a neutral line that runs in the middle.  Anyway, the lines that come into our house were measured at 30 volts on one and 233 on the other. thus basically frying anything that required a motor in our house.  Things that you wouldn't even think need a motor like the sprinkler system and doorbell were destroyed.  All of our electronics were sent off in an attempt to have them repaired.  Some things like the dishwasher, freezer, and downstairs fridge are not repairable.  We did buy one television and have reestablished our cable service as of yesterday.  My computer was in the shop for 4 days, and when I got it back and tried to use it I found that I could not load any programs because the computer would keep freezing.  So I am "computerless" except for Sundays.  My husband has been using my laptop for his work because his laptop got stolen a year ago.  So, on Sunday's I'm able to use my own laptop . LOL!  Our Internet box has been replaced so I do have the Internet when I have the laptop.  It is a long process trying to get everything back to normal.  We have workmen in our house daily.  The garage door is still not working, nor the pond pump and inverter, nor the Jacuzzi.  Half of the lights need to be rewired and repaired.  We have been eating alot of fast food and been eating out.  It is amazing how dependent upon electricity we have become.

    One funny thing I have to say is that we are able to warm up food now.  My husband salvaged an old Amana Microwave from a cabin he was remodeling.  It is the same exact microwave we had when we were first married.  I remember it was a big "deal" getting this expensive appliance at a cost of over $500 dollars.  That was more than 33 years ago.  I am most grateful to  be able to use that $500 Amama Microwave.

     I would like to say that I am handling the stress of our life storms with as much optimism as Mattie Stepanek did.  I guess I am still here on this earth because I still have so much to learn.  I know that Mattie is no longer suffering any pain due to his imperfect body.  He is enjoying a pain free body and I'm sure he is still writing his beautiful poetry to cheer us all on.  Mattie, thanks for sharing the song you had in your heart.

    

 At Mattie's funeral nearly 1,350 people attended, including Oprah Winfrey and country singer Billy Gilman. A eulogy was delivered by former President Jimmy Carter, who said, "We have known kings and queens, and we've known presidents and prime ministers, but the most extraordinary person whom I have ever known in my life is Mattie Stepanek. His life philosophy was

'Remember to play after every storm!' and his motto was: "Think Gently, Speak Gently, Live Gently."

  In a talk given In February 2001 by Thomas S. Monson he counseled us to look to the lighthouse of the Lord. It calls, “This way to safety; this way to home.” The lighthouse of the Lord sends forth signals readily recognized and never failing.

   So, I have my eye on the lighthouse of the Lord, so I too can weather the storm.

 

Comments

[Marci Leishman]

Wow, Pam! What a beautiful post. I am impressed with your attitude during this trial. I know you will get through all of this. And it is great to look on the bright side - I love that you are appreciating the $500 microwave! :)

[Debbie Webster]

Hi there girl.
I finally found you.
Keep looking on the bright side.
I am so glad that you and Lisa are having so much fun.
Next time you need someone to go to lunch with you both call or email me!!!!!!!
Debbie