I believe in love. I believe it's the most powerful force on our beautiful Earth. I believe that when love is shared, lives are changed. I discovered this due to, what was at the time, the biggest tragedy I had ever faced....I lost my son. You see, sixteen years ago Samuel was born with Gastroschisis. And after forty days of fighting, our Creator took him. While in a whirlwind of anger and depression and lost in any understanding of how these things happen to anyone so innocent,my son, not me. I found myself wandering the hospital halls. At some point I ended up in the gift shop and went to the books trying to find something to fill my mind and get me away from the now dark places of my mind. I walked to the bookshelf and went to the first book that drew my attention. "Where is Good When it Hurts?". Oh, this oughta be good, I thought to myself sarcastically. (At this point in my life I had little understanding of our creator other then, if there is a God, he had either caused this or allowed it to happen. And I was mad.) As I opened the book and began to read it, I was fully expecting to dismiss it as garbage. However when I heard a voice from behind me asking if I could use any help, I was so engrossed in the book I finished the page I was on before answering. But before I answered I attempted to look and see what page I was on. It was then I realized two things. One, I was starting to cry and could barely make out the page number. Then secondly once I rubbed my eyes clear, I realized I had read over 40 pages. As I turned to her, I slowly responded. No I'm okay. Feeling a little awkward and having no money, I placed the book back on the shelf and attempted to leave. She then told me I was forgetting my book. I told her that I couldn't afford it and that I was just reading it to kill time. She replied, "that's not the kind of book you read to just kill time." She reached up to where I had just returned the book to and grabbed it. She softly handed the book back to me and told me, "this" book was made to be with you. As she said this she wrapped me in an embrace that was as full of love as a mother's hug. She said she would pay for the book and told me I was more then welcome to sit in her chair and read it if I'd like. I, however did truly have to go. I thanked her for her generosity and made my way out of the hospital. I've read that book now, three or four times. It's a good one. However, it was her, that nameless Angel that was willing to share her love with me, that truly showed me where God is when it hurts....he's everywhere. He's in each one of us, regardless of who or what you want to call him. He is Love. This series of events changed my life. It has taken me years to fully understand love and it's power. In the years since I spend every day trying to better people's lives with love. It's normally in the smallest ways but sometimes I am given opportunities to help in bigger ways. I was a automotive diagnostician for twenty years so I do a lot of help for people by helping repair their cars for free. My next door neighbor also has a non profit organization for clothing and housing people that I help with. But what I like to do the most is, what the sweet lady did for me. Take a couple seconds of my day for all the people I meet. I offer compliments to any passer by. I genuinely engage people so they know I care. And when I notice someone who appears sad or that the day or life is just beating them up, I stop. I give them my full me. I let them know they ARE special. That there are people who love them. That their life matters. I take time and give them my love, unconditionally. I know to some this may not qualify as a hobby, but it's my favorite thing to do. To see the faces of people light up from something as simple as someone just showing them love. I've been late to work, school, and more, do to my hobby. Because in my eyes each and every person on this planet is a beautiful unique creation that deserves to feel love and that is more important than any job, school or other worldly distractions. The looks on people's faces and the potential positive life changes are more then worth it. So this is my hobby and I love it.
I'm sorry if somehow I didn't follow a rule but just so you know it's okay if I end up not eligible. I didn't write this for the money, just for people to be inspired. All of my love to you and all of yours and may our Creator bless yous all.
This is the book. It's had a rough life. Mainly one dog. ::)
You did not break the rules. Love is a feeling, but is also an action. You are full of love, you practice love, you teach love.
You do not need to pay for love! You distribute love, and that’s is your hobby.
I wish I had the half of your capability and knowledge!
Thank you for your more then kind words. It means so much to me. Knowledge always comes at a cost. Part of mine was learning the knowledge of losing a child. And while I wish no one would ever have to experience that pain, in my life I have been able to counsel in three situations where parents had lost their child/children. And through my lose I was able to say, "I know how you feel" and to sincerely grieve with them and offer hope that it does get easier. I wasn't just someone saying it to them, I had experienced their same lose. The ability to do this was granted from our Creator and the cost was my son being blessed by allowed into his Presence. I fully understand that know. And as much as I would have loved to have watched him grow up I wouldn't change a thing if I could. Thanks so much for taking time not only to read my story but also for commenting. I'm going to check your place in a minute, but I'll ask anyway. What's your hobby and why?
You are more than welcome!
My hobby is scuba diving. I have two profiles, and I posted at @mynotsofitlife.
When I comment to your post, i forgot the profile I was. But I did not wanted to forget the emotions i felt reading your post.
I live in the middle of America and only have a murky river near us. I wish sometimes I lived closer to the ocean so I could dive. How wonderful it must be! What is the deepest you've ever dove? And what is your single favorite memory of all? Not just when diving. What's your favorite memory in your whole life?
The deeper I went was 84 feet, but I am only certified to go up to 60. I went 84 because visibility was great and I didn’t know until until I looked at my computer.
My best memory was in Boca Raton, FL, this huge turtle was swimming with us. Beautiful!
The most scary was ine time in Bahamas, my husband got attacked by a barracuda that stole and ate half of his yellow tail.
Wow! That sounds like some exciting times. Was your husband okay? And what exactly is a yellow tail? I'm sorry for the questions but I've never dove before. And I like talking to people who are genuine and real. Will you please tell your husband hello for me? And do yous have any kids?
Yeah, husband was fine. The barracudas are lazy, they stay half way up to steal the fishes.
A yellow tail is a specie of fish, really good when fried.
Yes, we have kids!
I don't know if I've read that particular book, but I've read others by this same author. He's incredible. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. I almost past your post by due to the title. I'm not sure I believe in romantic love/marriage any more, but your post is about a different kind of love.
You're more than welcome. He truly is a good author. And as far as the romantic love / marriage kind of love, it's still out there. I promise.
it has a sad beginning and a deep ending,, sorry for your loose and happy that you could find the way makes you fine ,,, was touchable , you could be a good writer , i could imagine that moments while reading ,, you write so good . <3 and that book is lovely one :)
Well once again thank you for being so kind. I don't know if I have what it takes to be a writer or not, but it is very generous for you to offer. Maybe someday I will write a book, maybe about just the different times that I have witnessed love and about all the good people that I have met. Ones that I have helped and once they've helped me. You are so good at your art. Do you ever sell any of your artwork?
yes everything is possible,,
yeah i sold some of them, but mostly i did personal portraits :)
Would you ever sell me one?
to you , hmm
why not hahha
😊😊 How will we do this is my only other question? And how much would you like for one? Thank you so much for this opportunity! Did you see my blog post for how to thank someone? I mentioned you. Thanks for all your help so far!!!
well it depends, but its hard for me to post it another country you know :)
i'm checking your post