Before I start this heartfelt post, I promised Holly I’d mention that she interviewed me for her Five Frugal Minutes With. Thank you Holly I am honored!
There are days when I follow a link or two and feel that what I happen upon changes my soul forever. Today I happened upon a news story of a couple who were injured in a plane crash, he suffering burns over 30% of his body, she 83% of her body. He facing months of recovery, but recovery nonetheless, she facing years, yes years of surgeries (over 100 expected) because of burns to her face, neck, arms, body, back and chest; the only part of her body spared was her ponytail and her toes, yes her toes. I think of the 4 children (ages 1-6) they have, who as the story says look at pictures of their mama at night and cry themselves to sleep, often huddled together and my – heart – breaks, not only because I’ve been there, caring for children in exceptional grief, but because stories like this also show glimmers of happiness within families that make you examine your own. This couple, the Nielson’s, are surrounded by love, both from large families, they have sisters and brothers in law, parents and grandparents surrounding them. Mr Nielson’s mum has slept at his bedside for two months, Mrs Nielson’s sister has never left her side. They have family who’ve put their lives on hold to be there to become carers, family who’ve purchased a house for them because the mum, only 27 years of age, will now need help for the rest of her life, family who are there to pray, love and be. Sometimes in the depths of sadness we see joy. This story is such an example of that.
This story makes me grieve for the loss my little inspirations had and the loss they will experience for the rest of their lives, it makes me grieve for the sibling I never really knew (unless you count our months holding hands, sucking each others thumbs, swimming around in an amniotic sac together) and the both sides of my family who don’t know, respect and love each other. My family who don’t even visit when members die, who exclude some from Christmas and Birthday celebrations, who don’t even know what a privilege it is to have each other.
And on days like today all I can do is pray, pray and hope for physical and emotional recovery for all the Nielsons, pray that wherever my twin ended up it was a good place, pray that one day my family comes back together. Each and every single day I pray for my little ones who changed my heart and soul and hope that they one day know how very much they were loved and that that is enough to warm their souls and lessen their grief.
And on days like today, I am thankful. I am thankful for so many things like my own health and the fact I live in a country where no one is faced with a medical bill in the millions. I am thankful for all the things I took for granted that Mrs Nielson may never be able to do again like turn a page and tie my shoes, but I am most thankful that I am debt free so I can give. I can now reach into my handbag, write a cheque to send to the Nielson’s recovery fund and know that the hours I worked to earn wasn’t earned to buy stuff, but instead to help a family become whole again.
If you to feel that you can give cheques can be sent to:
Christian & Stephanie Nielson Rehab Fund
P.O. Box 8850 Mesa, AZ 85214
You are so right. We don’t know what we should be grateful for in this life until we are at risk of loosing it. My advice is while you can keep those who are troubled in your thoughts and prayers, put your energies into those around you. I know I spent to many wasted years asking myself why some acted the way they did. But I have my children, my Mother and my friends and for them I am grateful. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Nielson’s and I hope they find things easier very soon.
The Nielson’s story is very sad, and yet out of tragedy comes positivity, hope and togetherness, all bound by love. It’s too easy to moan about the little things, when we should be truly grateful for all we have. I wish the Nielson family speedy healing, hope, and the strength to keep taking the little steps towards recovery.
this is a beautiful post. i actually learned of the nielsons from both the Down to Earth and SouleMama blogs (check them both out they are phenomenal!) … Ms. neilson had a simple life blog, too!! which has since been taken over by family to provide updates on their recovery progress. i will copy this address and do my very best to give during christmas season, even if it’s only US $5. thank you for this. you are right. we must be grateful for the everyday, and the “tiny” things that make it up — NOT stuff.
Yes, we should indeed count our blessings. We all have a grouch sometimes but by god am I lucky compared to some. I’ve seen some terrible things during my stints in hospital and by comparison, my life is a bed of roses (a few thorns but many, many beautiful flowers).
Hi there-I learned of NieNie and her family through my other blog as a lot of bloggers were highlighting it at the time of the incident. It is such a sad and heartbreaking story, especially when they have to find funds for medical bills like you say. I donated some money by a paypal link-the lovely WendyB (wbjewelry.blogspot.com) has a direct link to pay donations by Paypal, for anyone interested in doing it this way.
I too read their story a few weeks ago through another blog, I cant remember which one… inspiration story and such a beautiful family by their side.
A great post, it opens my heart to know that there are people in the world like you x
Oh oh oh, that has just burned bullet holes in my heart. What a tragedy! I suppose at least they are alive and can watch their children grow up.
So many things to take away from their story…
J x
I have just come across your blog and just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed it so far. We are currently living very frugally and trying to become debt free, but it’s tough and your circumstances make for very inspirational reading. Thank you.
I also read that piece. It was very sad, but filled with hope for the future. I read Nie Nie’s sister’s blog too:
http://blog.cjanerun.com/
Hi there-I’ve just given you an award my dear!
I too, have awarded you with a butterfly award!
Thank you SO much for all the inspiration!
You have no idea!!!
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Thanks for alerting us to the Nielson family. I took down the address and hope to help, too. My prayers are certainly with them.