Did your feet touch the floor this morning?

Well, yes, ma'am, I do... I mean, I got everything I need right here with me. I got air in my lungs, a few blank sheets of paper. I mean, I love waking up in the morning not knowing what's gonna happen or, who I'm gonna meet, where I'm gonna wind up. Just the other night I was sleeping under a bridge and now here I am on the grandest ship in the world having champagne with you fine people. I figure life's a gift and I don't intend on wasting it. You don't know what hand you're gonna get dealt next. You learn to take life as it comes at you... to make each day count. 

Jack from The Titanic

I was away for a couple of days last week.  No, I did not have some kind of fantastic vacation nor did I go on a Sabbatical Retreat.  I've been in the hospital. 

Seems some of my "medication" got mixed up and

made me unable to think.  I feel as if I have lost the last three weeks because my world was so foggy.  After two weeks of trying to tweek things at home, it became apparent that it was not happening.  So reluctantly, my doctor and I decided that it was time for an admission.

While in the hospital, one of my roommates had to use a c-pap machine to help her breath during her sleep.  In order to utilize this, a sitter had to come into our room and sit in the dark near the machine while we slept.  I must admit it was a bit awkward, but being in the hospital is not meant to be "fun", now is it?  Just as I dozed off, in walked a large-boned round dark chocolate woman.  She had a turban wrapped around her head, deep wise eyes, gentle smile and a peace about her that was tangible.  Once everyone was settled and I stuck my earplugs into my ears, the sound of the machine lulled me off into "lala" land. 

Upon waking, I sat with my feet on the side of the bed and looked at her.  As my roommate began to wake up, both of us grumbled about being in the hospital and how we did not like it and then she spoke in her heavy African accent gentle words of wisdom, I will not forget.

"Ladies, there are people who did not wake up this morning, there are people who cannot get out of bed, some did not open their eyes.  Take a moment and put your feet on the floor and praise God that you are alive.  God will not give you more than you can carry and when it gets heavy, God will help you carry it. You arose from your sleep.  Put your feet on the floor and praise God."

I thought to myself, "now that will preach" I may have even said it aloud and I found myself staring at her deep into the dark pools of her ancient eyes.

I thought for a moment and the Oprah in me could not help myself.  "Ms. L" where do you get that peace.  Where does that come from.  She simply said, "God".

I prodded her a bit and said, "I know you must have a story." and I knew I really wanted to hear it so I waited.

She caught her breath and then Ms. L began her story.  "I come from Africa.  There my country was in a civil war.  My husband and I sent our children forward to the next country to escape, then we walked.  We walked and walked and walked for months to get to safety.  We walked over dead body upon dead body, some dying from starvation, others from the hands of those participating in the civil war---so many bodies.  We arrive to the next country and civil war begins there.  We immigrate to America in hopes of a better life for our children.  We arrived in Detroit and then to New York and finally to Chicago--from there we moved to Kentucky.  We arrived here to rent a small apartment with five children.  A person I thought was my friend rented us a large home because she said it was too big for her.  We paid a deposit and first month rent and continued to pay rent for three months.  One day, we arrived home to find an eviction notice on the front door--turns out my friend was taking our money and never owned the home.  We had one day to find a place.  We moved into a small place and I went to put something in the bedroom close to the attic.  I opened the door and the roof fell in on me--breaking several bones in my back and leg---I was in the hospital for two months.  I got nothing out of the insurance for the accident.  Now I could be bitter or angry or mad but what good does it do.  I can walk without a crooked leg or limp, I can move around and I can work.  Everyday my feet hit the floor I praise God.  So if you think you have it bad ladies just remember that

somewhere, someone did not wake up this morning. 

Place your feet on the floor and Praise God because your eyes opened, you can breath, because you are alive. You have alot to be thankful for....."

I sat and said, "hum--in my head--which in radical rambler terms means---wow--that is really something to think about."

I somehow wonder if it really was Ms. L who came to visit us there.  For some reason...some strange reason,

I have a hint

that

I spent the evening in the presence of God in the shape of a large African woman......and for that I am thankful.

so when my feet hit the floor this morning..

I did just what she said

I took a breath in deep

and

I thanked God for people who love me,

for my eyes opening up,

for health and a job and a home."

Did your feet touch the floor today?  If so, just do it--come on you don't even have to say it aloud---say thank you tothe Creative Energy of the Universe deep inside your soul and live it well.

Happy Monday,

hugs,

the radical rambler