Silver Linings
Misery loves company? I think Satan revels in our misery. What on earth is worse than feeling alone and without hope? Misery can manifest in countless combinations and when it comes a knockin, you better hope you’re not “home alone”. I see “family” as Satan’s chief rival and I am proud of mine. When the chips are down, God always shows up, many times taking the form of our family bonds.
Every time I visited my brother during his stay in the hospital he had a lot of company. His wife Patty and their daughters Jordan and Carly were there for the entirety, fighting his misery with their loyalty and affection. Our parents and brother John were there several times. Love is nothing if not loyal.
Bringing my family to see my brother in the hospital before and after his heart surgery has had a resounding affect on me. I have been pleased by the familial synergy that has been so evident between all of us during this ordeal. Families are complicated groups, especially when gathered in crisis mode. I believe that heart surgery for our older brother Ned, following a succession of heart attacks, warrants the term “crisis”.
As is becoming a common practice I reported his condition on my Facebook site. The resulting replies from longtime family friends and loved ones have been very heartwarming. I believe this entire episode has served as a very positive lesson for my children. When something is wrong with one of your “people”, something is wrong with all of you and vice versa. I certainly prefer the “vice versa” but I note how much more we are drawn together in tough times. Strong families are like balling a fist. Hit something with your finger, then hit something with your fist and see which packs the best “wallup”.
In times of crisis, families tend to “circle the wagons”, tending to each other. My children have experienced that and it has stuck with them, I think that’s why they were extra attentive to their uncle. You are really never more comfortable with yourself than when you are wrapped up in the love of your family. It heals. To me, it’s the personification of God’s love. Bruh Ned’s ordeal has provided us all with the assurance that we are anything but alone and “misery” is gonna have to find some company elsewhere. Thank God for that. Talk with you soon.
Has your family been brought together by a crisis? How did your family handle it?
