How can hope exist, even when strong signs of obvious failure predicts doom? I don't know. All I know is, hope is resilient. I've seen it in the eyes of children that suffer from hunger. Their hope is most likely, for someone to care enough to help them have food. Hope needs a partner sometimes. Hope and compassion makes a great team.
I saw hope surface once, when I took the time to talk to a war veteran. He had asked for money to buy something to eat. Even though I was in a hurry, and I knew most "bums" only needed money for the next drink, my heart tugged at me. His story didn't only bring tears to my eyes, but to his as well. War is Hell. No matter which one it is. His tired, blue eyes sparked with life, as he had an audience to listen to his story, and show concern for him. For that moment he had some hope.
My life may not be as drastic as someone else's life, but I too, have need for hope. Four years ago, in March, I left my home my husband and all we had acquired. I took only what I could get into my car, which isn't very much, considering there was twenty-seven years worth of our life together, I was leaving behind. I began my 'new life' in a small efficiency apartment, that I felt right about renting. I was very sad, and everything felt unreal-real.
Later that year, five days before Thanksgiving, when I was trying to balance out my reasons to be thankful, I learned Dad was in the hospital. He was 150 miles away, in I.C.U. and I wasn't sure how well my $400 car would work, traveling over a mountainous trek, for me to be with him. All I knew, was I was going!
When I got there, I learned he'd spent a week with a severely broken pelvis, and bruises that had been bleeding around the broken bones. He needed surgery! His chronic lung disease, caused from years of smoking presented problems. During surgery, he was put on life support and remained on it until January. Needless to say, I spent all my time at the hospital, except for Christmas. I had to set some semblance of normalcy for my grandkids. The day after Christmas, though, I returned to my dads' bedside. When it looked bad, and everyone else shook their heads, doubting he'd make it, I wouldn't acknowledge it. I had hope. I was, and am still familiar with hope, and how it works. As long as there is breath, than hope can exist!
In January, after he came off life support, and went through some rehabilitation, I brought dad home to be with me. I knew it would be a hard job, but I was determined not to place him in a Nursing Home(no matter what they called it!), as long as I could possibly deal with the situation.
Now, four years later, Dad is still with me. We are now living in a big home I purchased seven months ago, and our grandchildren are here much of the time also. I love my new home! I love that Dad recently celebrated his 80Th birthday here, with some friends and family!
I think back sometimes, about how life has brought me in these last few years. I know I have seen the results of hope exercised. Hope will live as long as someone gives it a chance! Even when things are dismal, hope can exist.
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Comments: 9
Yes, I understand the 'glitch' re: editing. I think many have experienced it.