AMANDA'S BASKETS: SHARING HOPE

Sharing hope with others in difficult situations can be hard for both the one sharing and the one receiving. A close friend received a terminal diagnosis out of the blue. And, although she has had a long, successful life both professionally and personally, it was a hard thing to hear.

After looking into all the possible treatments and settling on one, my friend proceeded to share with friends and family life's lessons learned along the way. Lessons centered on relationships and love rather than things and accomplishments. And these were shared in such a loving, delightful way that we forgot about the future possibilities and simply celebrated the joys of living life each day to the fullest.

Another friend who spoke to many groups frequently reminded folks that there was life before death and to not only remember that but to live it. Many of us, too frequently, forget that the only real time we each have is now...right now as you are reading this. Yesterday is gone and we cannot relive it. Tomorrow is only a possibility that we may imagine but not live. We only live now. Wouldn't you rather spend the only time you can really experience in hope?