Second Chances

Sometimes, life throws you a curveball.  What sets you apart from the rest of the pack is how you react to what's thrown at you.  Lord knows, I've been thrown a few curveballs, and I've spent a very long time taking pitch after pitch.  Recently, I began swinging again.  Last fall, I started getting to know the son of one of the residents at the assisted living community were I work.  Mark was a faithful visitor of his father, James, who was a brief resident of the community.  Mark and I would chat when he'd come for a visit, but before I knew it, James was moving out of The Arbors and into the nearby VA hospital.  Through a series of events (or Godwinks, as some may call them), Mark and I began talking even after his father left the community.  In late January, Mark and I met for breakfast, and from then on we were hooked on each other.  Since that time, we've been spending a lot of time together and have both felt God's grace in second chances.

 

On April 12, Mark took me into New York City to celebrate my 39th birthday.  He went all out with surprises -- a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park and a cruise around Manhattan, not to mention delicious lunch and dinner meals at some great restaurants.  It was a wonderful day.

 

In years' past, I would never let Mike talk about life as if he were to pass away, but I know enough to be confident that all he would ever want is for me to be happy.  Mark has brought me joy and happiness again, and I know Mike would be thrilled with knowing I have begun to dig out of my dark pit and start to embrace life and a future again.  With that, I know that whatever brings me joy and hope again would please Mike, and Mark has brought that to my life.  One week ago today, Mark's dear father moved onto Heaven, which has brought forth both relief for his suffering and pain at his absence.  Regardless, Mark and I can smile knowing that his father brought us both a new chance at life.

 

It goes without saying that Mike will always be with me, and will always live strongly in my heart.  If anyone taught me about the true meaning of love, it was Mike.  At the same time, I have discovered that my heart can hold more love than I thought.

 

Thank God for second chances.