From Strength to Strength

Strength is an interesting charachteristic. But what do we mean when we say "you have strength"? The dictionary describes the word strength as 'the quality or state of being strong, in particular physical power and energy, the emotional or mental qualities necessary in dealing with situations or events that are distressing or difficult ". As a Grief & Pastoral Counsellor people often say 'you must be so strong to do the work that you do'. I think 'no', what I am is a compassionate human being who feels called to journey with those that  are coping with some form of emotional, spiritual or physical pain at this moment in time. 

As I go from strength to strength, I'm excited to share with you that it has almost been 2.5 years that I have been cancer free. The time has passed quickly indeed. I have regained almost full mobility of my let arm, and have come to terms with my physical limitations.  I recognize that 'strength' has played a role in my internal healing. As I stand here today and turn around and look at the path I have come down all I can say is wow; I could not have done this on my own. At timesl I felt scared, and alone at what lay before me, but all the way along I had an enormous team on the sidelines who cheered me on, who I knew I could count on to hold my hand, physically, metephorically and spiritually every step of the way. The strength from this type of support can never be under-estimated, for without it I'm sure I would have stumbled. I want to recognize just one of the many wonderful individuals who was on on my team. I could have never thanked Rivka enough for showing me how to walk this path with dignity, grace, strength and a belief that I will come through this. She was a cheering section all on her own. Rivka new first hand what I was going through as she walked this walk not once - but 3 courageous times! It is with deep sorrow that I share with you that my friend Rivka lost her valiant fight against cancer this past November. May her name be remembered always for a Blessing.

May we all find comfort in the strength of others when we need it and recognize that we all have our own deep inner strength to accomplish that which we set out to achieve.  


Have a magnificent New Year!