Sorry, it’s been a while since I’ve blogged. Truth is, I was very sick for a few months when I was in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The hospital doctors struggled to determine a treatment because they weren’t sure of the diagnosis.
Finally, I returned to Florida and saw a rheumatologist at Mayo clinic, completed some tests ... all results were negative, ruling out the most serious afflictions. It took some time, but the doctors determined that I caught a virus. Luckily, now I’m on medication that eases the pain.
All of this brings me to the real point, actually two points, of this blog.
Point One: While I was sick in Chiang Mai, I was sure all of this discomfort was temporary. Well, that was wrong and in the midst of the worst of it, my friends and family insisted I return to the US. Frankly, it hadn’t dawned on me. What’s more, they said, “Come home. Let us take care you…get you well.”
To say that I was moved is an understatement. Frankly, I am independent, to a fault and have difficulty asking for help, or even receiving help. I was overwhelmed with their kindness, their reaching out to me and offering help, when I didn’t even know I needed it.
And, it was more than kindness. Kindness is, obviously, demonstrating affection and courtesy.
This was certainly more. This was compassion. And, the difference?
Compassion is “a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.” (Dictionary.com) They alleviated my suffering, all right.
My good friend invited me into her home, to stay, as long as I needed to stay, to get well. I was compelled to let go of the need to be completely independent and I gratefully agreed to stay with her. She is an incredible person and a wonderful friend. I’m blessed to know her.
Point Two: During these last few weeks, I was able to complete an online course I had been working on for 8 months. The course, offered through the Charter for Compassion, is entitled, “Cultivating Compassion through Travel.”
(It begins July 29th and the fee is $25. For more information, click on this video, as well as this link for more specific details. I hope you will consider registering and join me and the course participants to become a part of the worldwide network of people who have chosen to become more compassionate.)
Anyway…can you believe these two points coming together when they did?
Well, actually, I can. Everything happens for a reason…often more than just one!