Life lessons are absolutely everywhere, every day. My latest lessons about life (and death) came from witnessing the struggle of a donkey's last day.
It began with a late night call from a distraught friend. She thought the donkey was dying. She needed my help. When I arrived, with one look, I could see it was true. There was a
distant look in donkey's eyes. A look of resignation. We respected that her life had been long and good, but she would need help not to suffer. The vet was called. 20 minutes he said. Interesting isn't it? To know how long something has to live. 20 minutes. So I see a hundred different lessons in all of that, but it continues.
I called a support system. When a friend arrived, his first comment was "we're getting her up." She's laying down. "It's a giving up position."
That comment really resonated with me. That's my nugget for today. The nugget to inspire this blog. Because I know darkness, depression, loss of hope and energy. So many of us do- and yes, laying down is a giving up position. I understand it. I respect the rest. I respect the need. But, what I was also reminded of, is that when you are ready, there are so many venues for help. Someone safe to talk to, a book, a program, a chance to learn, faith, and hope. Something or someone to help raise you up and get your legs under you. Something to get you moving. Things to get you in a ready position.
So you're up. Your feet are under you. You have something solid to push against. The ability to rise...
Then there comes that moment that it's up to you. You get propped back up, but there is a moment where the decision is yours and yours alone. Will you lay back down, or muster your strength to stand on your own two feet? It involves struggle. Life involves struggle.
And when you rise, (and I hope you do), I believe you stand taller than before. Braver than before. Wiser than before. If you choose to learn from the fall, you are richer for it.
So this blog is dedicated to Carmen the donkey. A kind and gentle spirit.
A teacher, even on her last day.