"To whom much is given, much is expected."

A BUMP IN THE ROAD
Starting with a loss of vision a year and half ago, then speech difficulty (finding words and short term memory loss), then dizziness and tremors. I fell into a deep depression. I felt like I was falling off a cliff, with no end in sight (literally). I had lost all my independence and was not the kind of mother and wife I wanted to be or used to be.

SEEING WITH MY HEART
So everyday I prayed - "God give me strength". "How do I fight this disease?" I learned to see a little more with my heart and not my eyes. As my heart was opening, I began to feel the prayers, love and faith of my dearest friends, family, parish and community.

I also found that speaking about my struggles, life discoveries and faith with others is really a greater gift to me. I am not afraid to speak in front of people, even with my visible disabilities, because I know in my heart this is what I have been called to do. To share who I am with others as a means of offering inspiration to help them discover themselves.

This year has been an awakening and a relearning. In the end, I found that regardless of all my days of pain, depression, suffering, and recovery. The strength of spirit, friendship, love, prayer and laughter can change your perspective of life for the better. God has a plan, we don't always see it, but over time, it becomes so clear and also becomes a blessing.