Jun 15, 2010

Drawing strength

"Give me the strength to be free," Howard Thurman.

Recently we watched ABC network interview Stephen Hawkins. Fascinating. They said he has lived 40 years longer than predicted with the diagnosis of Lou Gehrig's disease. Unable to speak, his cheek twitch's control a computer-activated voice to give his responses. Hawkins responded to what advice he would give his children and grandchildren: "Look at the stars and not at your feet. Do not ever give up your work, for it gives your life meaning and purpose." Great advice from a man whose brain ranks among Newton and Einstein, according to the commentator. Hawkins lives with obvious struggles, and yet he continues to add meaning to our universe through his mind. What can be the "work" we do not give up, which gives meaning and purpose to our lives? Can caregiving be an aspect of that work that gives us meaning and purpose? Can we look for the blessings and not the mundane within our caregiving?

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