We all know that life is made up of lots of ups and downs and it is never all up or all down. There is always good news and there is always bad news. It seems like the last couple of weeks have brought more than a normal ration of bad news about things happening to people I care about.
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I don't find myself asking why because there is not always an answer to why one person gets a disease and another one doesn't or why one person's hope for a child is fulfilled and another's isn't or even why one person lives to an old age and another has their years cut short. I do find myself asking what I can do to help when someone I care about is faced with a shattering problem and I most often find myself feeling mostly helpless. I know I can say a prayer, light a candle, send a card, fix a meal or make a call, but I can't really do anything to make their situation any better as much as I wish I could.
Bad news can feel overwhelming at times, but I can't ignore the fact that life also brings good news.
Doc has recently had some medical tests and the results have all been very good. I am very grateful for that.
My son, who has been out of work for several months, will be starting a new job on Monday. He will be working at LASP, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado. When NASA launches their Mars mission in 2013 he will have had a hand in it.
Yes, I am feeling sad and a little helpless about the bad news I have gotten lately, but I am very grateful that life also brings good news.
Life is like that as you say. There is life and there is death. There is joy and there is sorrow. You have such a kind spirit and I like the way your say what you do when someone has bad news.
ReplyDeleteIt is always hard when we are faced with both kinds of news at the same time. I guess we just express our gratitude for the good news, and pray that the bad news works its way back to good news.
ReplyDeleteI hope your friends and family appreciate what you are willing to do for them even if you can't "fix" it.
I'm happy for your good news about Doc and your son!
Liz
there's always a balance, isn't there? Congrats to both your husband and son. That is good news on both fronts!
ReplyDeleteUps and downs baby, although we don't like it...it keeps us balanced. Many times after the storm we can look back and see why we endure it. Much growth often takes place during those storms and baby we're never too old for growth.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you have many blessings smilin' upon you.
I hope ya'll are havin' the best weekend...Enjoy!
So sorry about your bad news, and you're right that these things are so random. All you can do is be what the American Century Dictionary defines as a "sympathizer, helper". (Yes, I actually looked that up!) But the good news about your husband and son is awesome.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeannie ~~ Congratulations to your son for his new job. I worked in aerospace for seventeen years, fourteen of them being at NASA Houston. It was wonderful, especially if your job lets you see at least part of the big picture.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly will get in on that part. Our experiments people had some consoles reserved for them. I was a Flight Control, Environmental or Electrical Power Systems person.
Yes, do all those things for and with the person with the bad or sad news. But like Betty above, I've always believed that being there is what IS needed at those times. You don't have to say much--what can you say(?), just sitting with them shows you care a lot.
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Congrats too on Hubby passing his tests good. I have my six month cardiology work-up Monday. First the fasting (midnight) and laxative part. I can take it this time as I am concerned about a possible endoleak advised about from an in-between CT scan at the ER (was there for an other problem).
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Are you doing 6WS today? If not, thanks for coming and Happy 6WS anyway! :)
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Congrats on your good news!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a good posting remembering life's ups and downs. Life is a mystery, and it is at those not so easy times when we realize we can't do a whole lot other than pray and being there, that the mystery stares us in the face. Your question and pondering has been asked for centuries and will continue for years to come.
ReplyDeleteI believe God hold the answers not fully revealed to us yet.
Your question tells me you have a heart that cares deeply. Keep on caring...And be a friend.
I am thrilled to hear the GOOD news!
If we didn't have some bad stuff now and then we wouldn't appreciate the good stuff as much!
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanie!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by the Over 40 Bloggers I added your blog to the list!!
Thanks for joining the party!
Hope you get lots of followers from it! Including me!!
Be sure to come by on Sunday for the Meet Me On Monday Blog Hop!
Congrats on your son getting a new job! And I'm sorry to hear about the bad news. Life isn't fair sometimes. You have a beautiful family and I'll be looking forward to reading more!
Have a great day!!
Java
Congrats on your son's job. That's fantastic!
ReplyDeleteFinding balance is tough sometimes. Hang in there Jeanie.
xo jj
I must say that your son's job sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt's terrible to be overwhelmed by bad news, it always seems to come all at the same time, doesn't it? Hope you can find some kind of balance.
So glad you got some good news!
ReplyDeleteLive is made of good and bad news. We have to find a balance but I know that sometimes it's difficult.
ReplyDeleteI arrived at your blog through 40 and More and I'm adding you to my Google Feed Reader
Life is a balance. It's ok to feel good about happy things. We aren't forgetting or ignoring the sad ones - we're just rejoicing in the good things that happen to people we love and care about. You have a big heart! Glad to hear Doc is ok and that there is work for your brilliant son.
ReplyDeleteYes, I never understand the why's of bad news, especially when it hits someone at a very young age. I'm feeling the pride you must feel for your son's job.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your bad news, but just think...the news about Doc and your son could only put a smile on your face, correctamundo?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, we can not make it through life without some bad, but the good news you shared is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLife is always throwing us a curve. Ya just gotta learn how to hit it. You take a swing, you might get a hit. Or a job. Or some good news.
ReplyDelete