Take a deep breath- Obama is in the white house

This is a blog I wrote nearly four years ago, on inauguration day 20th January 2009. Now that Barack Obama has won again, i thought I should publish it.

 I had to consciously take deep diaphragmatic breaths. Goose pimples stood up on my arms like desert sand grains and I was at a loss as to whether to scream or shout. My eyes were glued to the television set and in the back of my mind I muttered babbled prayers of gratitude.
My mind was in a whirl and the overload was just intolerable as I became empty of known ways to express myself.
So this is it, the 'yes we can' man has been inaugurated and Barrack Obama will live in the white house. It is as though this is a figment of the world's collective imagination and all I want to do is pinch myself. How often can we know with unquestionable certainty that we are in the midst of a significant unfolding history. How can we fully appreciate the future impact on our world that we will have due to the outcomes of what has happened today?
I remember sitting in our family lounge having my hair braided and watching tv when the first plane plunged into the World Trade Centre. A momentous time in America and the world's history. I remember my words to my mother who was with me at the time. 'This is not an act of terrorism, it is an act of war', meanwhile the scrolling headlines blazing after the 'breaking news' title was reporting the possibility of a terrorist attack. That event heralded a profound change in travel and global security in general. This awareness of momentous, history defining events, brought a few others to remembrance.

When the final verdict of the infamous OJ. Simpson trial was given, I was in a mall in Halifax , Nova Scotia buying a bagel. I stood in front of the bagel stand watching a tv nearby and scarcely noticed that the mall had almost stood still in front of all the various televisions as people waited and watched with keen interest or listened to a radio broadcast. I remember feeling disappointed that he was let off and I remember how strangers struck up conversations and shared ideas according to which camp they belonged. I remember the crusty deliciousness of my bagel and the buttery after taste and the concerns I nursed as I wondered what effect this delectable wonder would have on my hips and waistline. I remember reflecting that the bagel contained as much dough as a loaf of bread and all this a single adult portion. Why is everything mega sized in the geographic zone called North America?

Fast forward a few years to the time when Bill and Hilary Clinton visited Ghana. The excitement in town was palpable, and we started seeing strange looking people about town some weeks prior to their arrival. I guess they were the advance party/security detail. By the time we had navigated the newly created one way systems and avoided all the closed off streets and security barricades, my eldest daughter and I missed seeing President and Hilary Clinton speeding by in their armored car down the Kanda-Nima highway . We were just in time to see their tail lights, but not them. However we did catch the excitement of the throng of adults and children waving flags as they flanked the roads. The headmistress of my daughter's school and some teachers in a bid to keep a keen eye on the children and catch a sight of the Clintons themselves, were seated on chairs in the central divide of the dual carriage way. I remember laughing inwardly at the absurdity of their watch station. They did their level best to keep order whilst obviously bursting to go amok themselves. Our disappointment at missing the main show, was partly minimized by the sight of air force one kro-kro eye as we say in Naija or filli-filli to be more culturally appropriate to Ghana. She was parked majestically on the tarmac and a gaggle of us pinned our faces like convicts in cages to the wire mesh, all wide eyed and making various noises of appreciation. Air force one was certainly a precious bird as we spotted various security officers at vantage points on terra firma, and was that an American marine standing on top of the control tower?

An estimated one million human beings are reported to have thronged the streets and lawns around and leading up to the White House to see the world's premier family process to this unsurpassed, un-duplicated piece of real estate, their new home. I am absolutely fascinated just thinking about the planning and logistic effort that this kind of event undoubtedly generates. How even as we watched the carcade preceded by its formidable arrow of shiny white outriders, the Bush's ready packed bags were being relocated and replaced by the Obama's. The idea that the procession may have been so slow to give more time to the baggage exchange effort set up various thoughts in my mind. In my house, I often joke to my house guests that whatever is left behind is automatically inherited by me! What will the Bush's accidentally leave behind? Ex presidential preferential jam in the fridge or a particular brand of loo roll or what?

I just imagined the discourse going on between key players and 'go to' people , whispered over discreet radio phones. Verbal status reports as to the progress of the baggage and how that relates to the overall anticipated timing of each forward activity. I imagined five minute updates going something like "30% as at oh, dot, dot, dot hours. Dot, dot, dot seconds, please be advised that we are now 3% in excess of scheduled ETA, over!" Or some thing such as that.
The CNN situation room was another matter all together as we all looked at various collages of real time photos being sent in and zoomed in to see various things being drawn to our attention. Oh here is Arnold Schwarzenegger or some other celebrity in the crowd. As well as a comparative analysis of satellite shots of the lawns around the White House from two weeks ago as compared to today. Plan views of swarms of ants were apparently crowded throngs of people! Ah, was it only I that was gob smacked or is it not amazing how the presenter's fingertips were jabbing his giant screen and every poke conjured up all kinds of images form the ground, and we were told some were shot from satellites in outer space! How is this different from what we used to think was wizardry/ sorcery? Hmm, thank God they have stopped stoning witches and sorcerers!

I found the proceedings most engaging, and my excitement was high. It was so lovely to see the Obama children as well, such beautiful girls, and Michelle's power dressing was tops.

Eventually, I sank into a deep sleep, my breathing now evened out more from sheer exhaustion. Eventually my mind could catch up to the unfolding events and all the excitement. Eventually, my psyche began in some measure to embrace the dawn of a new era as a reality and there was no need to pinch myself. Eventually, the extracted O2 from my deep breaths registered to my brain and the world was suddenly a better place.

Joblogs- My journal entries in a time of trouble

Hubby and I post surgery at a Mall

Today is a year since I had surgery for breast cancer, and I have been reflecting on this past year. So much has happened, but what is more remarkable to me is that my family and myself look back now with fond memories.

It was a time of pulling together in prayer, in kind, in encouragement and every manner of support you can imagine. I owe a debt of gratitude to all my friends and family who have allowed God to use them in this way. God literally answered all your prayers!

I really beleive that God has allowed me to go through all these challenges for the prime purpose of displaying His glory. I got with His programe in a big way soon after the news of the diagnosis broke. I was scared , yes i was. I thought perhaps my time was up. I thought all those things, and looked heavenward and asked my maker why? After spending a little time asking those questions, and allowing myself 24hours to freak out, i took on 'battle mode'.

My battle strategy was to send messages to all the prayer groups I belonged to, for them to get on my case. Then I came into a self imposed mindset of choosing to worship God and being grateful as a default. I reminded myself of three points, and just focused on those three points, making them into constant affirmations at all times.  My thinking was that whatever the outcomes of this new challenge, I would stand on these truths, and believe them to be immutable. Whether I lived one more day or 10 or 50 more years, whether I came through the surgery alive or not, the same three declarations would be my portion.

1. I am whole in Christ Jesus

2. I am loved by God with an everlasting love that spans from eternity to eternity

3. Nothing can prevail against me as long as I am standing in the Lord.

To commemorate one year of victory, I am sharing the blogs I wrote during that time because I think this is the best way of giving an insight into that time, and into how God has really glorified himself again.

I titled them 'Joblogs' because I wrote them while I was in Johannesburg, South Africa for my medical consultations and treatment. My prayer is that you will encounter the unquantifiable power of God's love through these pieces of writing.

JOBLOG 3-Defiance
I've bought two pairs of shoes
A pair of slacks and painted my toe nails
I painted my toe nails
I painted them bright red
A blood of Jesus, bright red
In defiance of the enemy's latest plans
No! I mean no! I reject this outright
For the Lord has given me a full life span
Blood of Jesus, red toe nail day
Yes, red toe nails day!
23 Oct 2011

JOBLOG 4-Opposite speak

I know that the experts will have their report, their prognosis and whatever.
FACT.
However it is the Lord's report that we shall believe.
The Lord says of me, Lara
-The blood of Jesus in whom I am redeemed, speaks greater things
-He shall perfect that which concerns me
-Greater is he that is in me than he who is against me
-I am more than a conqueror
-He will satisfy me with a full life span
-He satisfies my desires with good things so my youth is renewed like the eagles
-No weapon fashioned against me shall prosper
-He is my God, my times are in His hands
-Nothing shall prevail against me, for I stand in Him
-Eternity is not big enough to contain the love He has towards me

 24 Oct 2011

.......And a bit of frivolity
One of the fun things my daughter did for me after the surgery was to flat iron my natural Afro hair. I was pleasantly surprised at how long my hair had grown and my hubby took many lovely photographs which we call my 'victory photo-shoot'

Victory Photoshoot-Post surgery

JOBLOG 5- Confusion

My heart leaps for joy at the evidence of His love for me, poured out so beautifully through each one who is praying for and encouraging me. I give him glory and unbounded praise. Now anyone who knows the awesomeness of His grace boogie on down with me this morning. Oya! Start steppin....mehn! I don't think anyone can match my steps. This is a dance of victory!!! Oh YESSS
I looked at the biopsy report's diagrams
And I thought
This looks so much like one of those photos
From outer space
The lay of the land of some rare planet
The alien matter that has dared to enter my body
This temple of the Most High
I banish you outright with everlasting cancellation and removal from my body
In Jesus name!
I rejoice today in victory over this liar
For the Lord has preserved my physical vessel
I have much still to do in my spirit man
So, my earth suit just needs repair.

JOBLOG 6 -War

The body language of Victory!

We shall not waste a shred of emotional capital in fear, worry or dread.
Instead we shall invest every minuscule bit of concern in the Lord's throne room.
He is in the business of the miraculous intervention, the exchange of beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness instead of a spirit of despair.
So, we shall invest in the kind of capital that is 100% certain to yield a bountiful return.
-Unbounded joy in the lord
-high praise
-thanksgiving
For Our Father God is mighty to save
Leap for joy
Rejoice with me!
For He has given me a new name!
Omolara Miracle
 Joburg
 26 Oct 2011
                                                                                                       
JOBLOG 7-Worship

Most high God, in you I am whole and I worship you this morning with exalted praise! I know what purpose you have laid in my spirit for my life and I am sure there is even more that will yet unfold. All we are seeking is for your glory, that Omolara Miracle's physical vessel is repaired and restored, for I need it to carry my spirit man. My spirit man cries out to you Lord, its desire and passion came from you. Glorify yourself then Lord! That all will know that there is no God like Jehova, ishout for joy! Awesome, loving, merciful Lord, my Abba father in whom there is no shifting like shadows. Halleluyah!!!
Omolara Miracle
Joburg    27 Oct 2011


JOBLOG 8 - Declarations of belief
All things are possible to those who believe. What that means to me, is that there is literally no limit to what I can do. This is one of the characteristics of God himself. He has given us a part of his nature. This I know for a fact because he said I am made in His image, and he has deposited the Holy Spirit in me. Being made in the image of my heavenly father means I have his spiritual DNA. Now that I have been diagnosed with another health challenge, I find myself reminded of some of the truths I discovered during my last one.
That is, that the Lord will glorify himself in an ailing body, because who He is transcends the physical.
As my body battles now with breast cancer, I am ever more aware that His glory is getting greater and greater in me.
I can say this because I believe.
I believe God so much that I am connected to myself  on many levels.
My self awareness is in the spheres of spiritual, emotional and psychological intelligence.
I believe that God speaks greater things in them than my physical body.
My spirit man is actually the true part of who I am because I believe this is the part of me that has the potential to attain 'all things' in a limitless fashion.
The same way my creator is limitless, so the deposit of himself in me is limitless.
So, every time I reach a brick wall or challenge, I can walk through it because I know the true substance of who I am is NOT this bag of bones and muscle and nerves and vital organs.

For so long now, as far back as I can remember, I have had challenges with this physical vessel. These challenges have constantly battled to trick me into taking note of them over and above the true content of who I am: the King's Kid.
I know that I have emerged a victorious warrior and I always win because I believe.
I believe that God is using me to show who He is and to show case His awesome resplendent glory, for there really is no reason for me to have survived childhood.
I did not know that my childhood challenges were a negligible part of what I was to face, but the Lord himself trains me for the battles at every stage.
So, here I am in joburg, getting an enforced boob job. I realise now more than ever that; I have been raised to be an advocate for belief.
I realise that whatever I believe is what is true for me, and this shapes what God can achieve in and through me.
LARA'S CREED
I believe my God almighty has empowered me to do exceedingly abundantly more than I can imagine
I believe my God almighty sees me as beautiful, even with one boob
I believe my God almighty sees me as fruitful
I believe the lord sees me as a mighty warrior, powerful, strong and full of valor
I just believe I am able to do exponentially more because of my challenges.
I believe God,
And all the things he has said and written about me.
I believe in His love, unbounded and infinite.
I believe in Him I am whole.
I simply BELIEVE
And herein is my source of joy!

Omolara Miracle
Joburg
29 Oct 2011


JOBLOG 9-Praise

ANGEL'S FEET

I came to joburg on a mission

When the Jacrandas were in full bloom

Striking purple tree tops visible everywhere you looked

No place you cast your eyes that you didn't see them

Their richness of colour

Their abundance

Their beauty

I came to joburg on a mission

I saw the fallen jacarandas

Like a beautiful carpet strewn on the ground.

So beautiful, so delicate, a work of art

Floor covering for angel's feet to tread

I came to Joburg on a mission

I saw my pain and fear vanquished

I felt so warmly the love of God

Sent to me through so many people

In prayer, in thought, in words, in deeds

The love of God was everywhere

It was within me and without

It was in the hearts of people

Who needed not speak words

It was in my  heart of hearts

Accomplished mission

Though a physical part of me was lost

My spirit and psyche were never bigger, or stronger

Because the jacarandas were everywhere

Resplendent, and beautiful

And for angel's feet to tread


Post surgery
On my way home from the hospital
Joburg
02 Nov 2011

My young people joined others to pray!

 These are excerpts from prayers that were posted by our children into an online group that were praying fervently for me through every step.

Thank You Lord for Mum's life. All her life, you have paid specific attention to her, and performed miracles in her life. You have used her to defy man's so called science and to glorify Your name. You have stretched your arm and brought her back from the far places our faith was at times too weak to go, and you have shown us that You are capable beyond our imagining. We pray Dear Lord that you will strike again in this situation in the way that we know you to have done so efficiently before. We ask you for full and total restoration for mum; for healing; for strength; for courage; for calm; for effervescent joy. Amen

We stand firm on your word O Lord. We stand firm on your word because you are not a man that you should lie, your word is full of promises for us. That they that hope in you will renew their strength, that you will lift them up on eagles wings. Lord, lift mum up on eagles wings and restore her to wholeness in every regard . You have also said in Isaiah 43 that when we pass through the fire, we will not be burned. May it come to pass for us as it did for Shadrak, Meshak and Abednigo in Jesus mighty name. We cast out fear, doubt, and worry and say they have no place for us. Indeed, we are already clothed in our fire proof clothing which is praise and prayer. Thy name be exalted forever and ever. Amen
 

Father Lord in the mighty name of Jesus we just commit Omolara Miracle Cookey into your hands today. We are amidst circumstances we know you can clear without even batting a Holy eyelid, for you are the eternal God, who is capable of anything. We lift her up before your throne of grace this morning and pray for absolute and total restoration of her soul, her psyche and her body. I do not believe anyone should have to fight for life. But you said your ways aren't mine. So Lord I am praying that you fight on Mummy's behalf, so she can be at ease. I pray Lord that you clear any sign of any disease in her entire body, and that you restore her such that it will be as if she has returned to youth. I am fed up of my mother having to suffer- she is your faithful servant. Indeed, blessed are the transgressed, so she is blessed in that she stays faithful to you and follows your commands. But Lord, this righteous anger inside me is spurring me to scream and demand the health and restoration our Mum deserves. We have all been saying it, she is a miracle. Lord, prove us right again! Continue to work your wonders in Omolara, such that the whole world will look on and know that there is a God! Glorify yourself this year. Because EVERYONE is praying for the same thing- show us that you care for us. You said that where 2 or 3 are gathered, there you are in their midst. We have all gathered virtually, and as far as I know this should count. So Lord, shake body. Bust a move. DO something. Restore Omolara to wholeness. This we humbly ask of you in the name of your son Jesus Christ. 

Amen.
JOBLOG 10 -Renewal

It was only befitting that after this recent challenge and several victories in Christ Jesus, that I should give a shout out to the whole universe with my Romans 12:2 hair as well!
So, my daughter blow dried and flat ironed my hair for another one of several 'victory' photo shoots-the ultimate photo shoot  by one ace photographer; my hubby. We were all so excited and enjoyed the process! My sister and brother- in- law's beautiful side garden became the backdrop of our photo shoot.
With every strand of my Romans 12:2 hair, I praise our Lord God Almighty! I am indeed a victorious woman in Christ, for I am once again walking in the physical reality of my inward confessions.

Omolara Miracle 
Joburg
16 Nov 2011

The photographer allowed himself to be photographed too!

JOBLOG 12-Rejoicing

As I step out and dance
There is more in my footsteps than a beat
There is more in the beat than music
More than what is seen
The unseen runs freely
Flows like the river which makes glad the city of God
God is within the
Habitation of my mind and spirit
Without that, I could not stand
My life would have been a thing of pity!
But no! Mercy said NO!
At the end of this joburg mission
These are my conclusions
That my God is Almighty
The God of all Grace
The Lord of my Completeness
Has been faithful in the natural
He has worked profoundly in the supernatural
Humbled, grateful and elated beyond measure
I am still, I bow, I worship

OMC
Joburg
28 Nov 2011


THANK YOU!

Thank You all !

 Thank you all so much! From my close friends to acquaintances......to those that were praying for me that I didn't know personally, some of whom I may never meet.
This victory is not just for my family and me, but for you all also.
God bless everyone of you richly!

Crazy Shoes

My grandmother used to make a full English breakfast over an open metal grill powered by wood logs. The grid left attractive sear marks on the sausages, bacon and toast. (These current celebrity chefs are not a patch on my Granny!)  Her Naija soups were made in black earthenware pots. Whatever she made, had the unique and tantalising aromas from the burning wood impressed upon it. I have never since then tasted grilled bacon, sausages, or toast that have the unique dimensions of flavour that came from my Grandma's kitchen. Neither have any Naija soups tasted like hers, which always had a rich, rounded taste and aroma, without any stock cubes added. Ingredients that needed blending were ground on a traditional grinding stone which consisted of a large oval slab of granite and a smaller oblong piece, just the right size for grasping with a pair of hands aligned side by side. I am convinced this method of blending, pre-mingled the ingredients before they ever came together in the pot, and contributed to stock cube free richness.


Another culinary accessory that I remember was a large brown earthenware pot with a lid that was kept in one corner of her bedroom, in which drinking water was stored. It always tasted cool, and somehow never took on the room's warmer ambient temperature.
I was totally enthralled by her stories of how she traded in bolts of fabric between Akure and Benin City, and how her journeys were made on foot, usually in the company of other women traders. She told me that it took a long time, and how she packed food and basic cooking utensils, and how meals were made en route. They lit fires to sleep next to in the forest, whenever their journeys demanded they took a break at night. Apparently, there were no roads as such, and many routes were footpaths. To my surprise, she said it was common to walk these vast distances barefoot. You might be wondering why I've started up with tales of my Grand mamma. Well, I just remembered her when I came across various articles talking about the benefits of running and walking bare feet. Grandma  didn't make any high faluting statements about it, it was just the natural thing to do then.

This made me search for images of bare foot running shoes, and oh my word, the most weird and wonderful images came up.

I went on further to search for 'crazy shoes' and I was blown away by the results. I just had to share them.
Enjoy!
Feast your eyes on crazy shoes and let your imagination run riot if you dare!

This pair here that looks like a lady's manicured feet with painted toenails are just bizarre, I find them both abhorrent and delightful.

You don't need to worry about being slipped up on an unseen banana peel, either by accident or by the malicious intent of your unseen enemies, you can make your own slithery steps in these

Those with more than a passing interest in food will be pleased with this lot. They can be used as part of a new dieting strategy. You wear your food on your feet all the time, and get your brain and psyche used to seeing food that you cant eat. Thereby allowing yourself to salivate, but curbing all desire to eat by satisfying yourself with just another look at your feet!
Mind you, I can see quite a few veggies in these sandwich flip flops, so I hereby declare them to be healthy.

 I guess you could also claim to be from Bolognia, and wear these as your own take on 'national attire' to the next diplomatic gathering. You might just start off another world war because Italy might take offense. Unless of course you are Italian, then you would either be thought of as just having poor taste in shoes, or acclaimed as the latest hotshot in unique design thought

The best way to campaign against the wanton consumption of red meat which has been blamed for a long list of health problems, is to wear these. I am wondering if they come with an appropriate smell as well. In which case, the campaign will be very short lived especially in a neighbourhood with many stray dogs. Then again, I would advise against wading into shark infested waters. The smell may also attract flies which would add another dimension to this design, rather like sequined or diamante embelishments

I think I would just write off a lady wearing these as 'a wet fish', I would try my level best to get her to take the 'scales from her eyes.' Nothing like a pair of sardines or barracuda on your feet to skew your perspective on life.

This is the definitive answer to the problems of the 'vertically challenged', In my language (Yoruba) these would be called
Onile gogoro- which literally means tall building or sky scraper. You might well start swaying and resemble the leaning tower of Piza. I would take out an insurance policy before mounting these!

Never get your feet stuck in that annoying bubble gum , ever again. I imagine there is a built in chewing gum sensor rather like the repulsion between like poles. I wager that it is the best way out of a sticky situation, since you would be wearing one of your very own.

While we are on the subject of bubble gum and stretchy things, you can catapult yourself into the limelight wearing this sturdy pair of slippers.

No one will ever be able to cheat you at the check out counter with this self service maths calculator, gadget-shoe-like thingy. if you jump up and down you can make your own music as well which makes this a two for the price of one, value for money item.

Either you will offend dog lovers who will cross the street when they see you coming, or dogs themselves will. This will certainly set some dogs off barking wildly, and whimpering alternately, as they become confused as to what is going on. Take care to watch out for aggression from the smarter dogs.These should be worn by a dog psychologist as a way of increasing demand for their services, and oh i forgot to mention that you will feel extra stable on eight instead of two legs.

No one can accuse you of being a heel.

Eh? What coral reef? Oh these things on my feet are my own personal cluster of temples. One or two of them have genies living in them and I can call on them at any time. The others whistle all by themselves especially when I am running in the wind. I don't stay in one place long enough for barnacles to attach themselves, these things here are more temples at an earlier growth stage.

Survivor-Notes from my talk at the 'Run for Cure' Cancer awareness event Sat 16th June 2012 in Lagos

I cannot stress enough the importance of routine breast examinations.
It was during a routine self breast exam, that I felt a lump in my breast, and this set about the investigation to find out what it was. To be honest, my initial concern at discovering it faded, as I told myself there was nothing to worry about, until I started feeling pain that radiated to my upper arm. My further mammograms revealed not one lump, but two. The second one which I could not feel I later discovered , was bigger than the one I had felt. Imagine what would have happened to me if I had not done the breast exam! 
I didn't fully understand the import of the word 'breast cancer survivor' until I got diagnosed , and went through the mental, physical and emotional process of dealing with cancer. Prior to getting this news, my family and friends and I were in a place of rejoicing -for I had just come through another health challenge which left me bed ridden for a while, and for which I  needed physiotherapy to regain the proper use of my muscles .  I was scared when I got the biopsy results that confirmed breast cancer. I really thought this time, I am being called to my maker. 
 
Although I was scared, I decided that I was not going to allow fear to rule my mind. One of the things about fear is that it will kill you before you are dead. It will paralyse you, such that you won't do what is the best for you.  
Yes, I was afraid, but beyond that fear, I reached deep within to my faith again, and re affirmed two things. I decided that I would believe in these two things regardless of the outcomes of the diagnosis. The possibility of suffering and death loomed large, but I kept affirming these two things that were ministered to me, in my effort to reach beyond myself to something greater, as a coping strategy.
I simply re affirmed that
1. I am whole in Christ Jesus
2. God's love for me is from eternity to eternity. I decided that I would not be afraid of death, however, I would fight even to the last breath in my nostrils.  I also decided to choose joy.

Joy, like love is a choice. I refused to set my eyes on, or listen to anything that would feed fear and depression, and took steps to get healing. I know that choosing joy in this situation is counter intuitive, but God doesn't work the way we do. My choice in retrospect became my mustard seed faith, and God amplified my choice such that I was in the peak of mental and physical health by the time I showed up for my surgery. I went under the knife with this Joy of the Lord that transcended  my fear.

Healing is a complex thing that encapsulates faith, mindset and medical intervention and I went to war using these three frontiers. I think it very important to  have a multi faceted approach.
I have maintained the healthy eating lifestyle I adopted for over 25 years, and continued with an exercise regime, all of which have contributed greatly to my quick recovery.
I stand before you today grateful to my God almighty for this privilege to briefly share my story.
Thank you.

Beyond Words
The tragedy of the Dana plane crash
Simply beyond words

I took a flight from Lagos  last night and noticed how noticeably sober the cabin crew were.
They were polite enough, but it was clear that they had lost vim.
Silently, they were grieving their comrades lost in the Dana air plane crash at Iju.
My hubby commiserated with them, and his comments were received very well. They readily confirmed our suspicion that they were sad about their colleague's demise.
When we touched down at our destination, there was a collective outburst of clapping and nervous laughter.
We were all relieved.
We were all so much more appreciative of our safe journey, which we have all taken for granted.
But shouldn't we?
Take safe air travel for granted?

Cartoonist-Lara

Cartoonist:Lara

Crushed hope revived

It was in the salty sea breeze

That caressed my face ever so gently

That blew away crushed hope

That I heard of revival

It was far away on the horizon

On the cusp of rolling waves

And foaming deep green embers

The unfolding of eternity's space

The endless of time

Destiny uncovered once again

It was in that moment of silence

That I heard

Super Optimism And Coping With Chronic Illness

One of the basic coping strategies with living with chronic debilitating illness is the psychological well-being of the sufferer. After medications have been administered, lifestyle changes sought and support given by friends and family, there is a need to reach deep within. There is a need to tap into whatever shred of optimism or positivity you have and find ways and means to multiply it exponentially. For this will be the difference between living a life, and merely existing.
In my personal experience, nothing has ever dehumanised me as finding myself with physical incapacity and needing assistance from others. Nothing has made me feel more humiliated  than being forced by my disabilities, to adopt a strange and often abnormally slow gait as I struggled to move from one place to the other. There is no faster way of knowing what the sum total of humanity with all its foibles and vanity really is.

After I joined a support group, I met many people who's conditions were far worse than mine was. Some were born with disability, and have not known any other way of living. Some like me had it foisted on them at some point in their lives. Many are the bravest people I know, and I was inspired to keep fighting. Their optimism was a strong common denominator, and this resonated with mine.

However, rising above the base level of the emotional and psychological difficulties that dis ability engenders, is  the only way to ensure longevity. Choosing to live, and literally focussing on living joyfully 'in spite' of disability is crucial to survival.
Some call it super optimism , what ever it is called, this is what I needed and finding it has given me great freedoms.