We all have big changes in our lives which are more or less second chances. ~ Harrison Ford
Everything in life changes. Everything can change. We know that those changes can sometimes bring good things and sometimes they can bring unimaginable pain. Good or bad, these changes can also bring second chances, chances that we don’t always welcome the way by which they come to us, but chances to do better, be better.
As you all know, there have been major changes in our lives as of late. Emma’s diagnosis, and most recently the death of my sister’s husband. For friends, everything from major surgeries, to sick parents, to losing homes. It seems the painful changes are the ones that stick on our hearts like tacky rubber cement. Sometimes stretching just enough away from our hearts only to be snapped back at the smell, sound, touch or sight of something. In this pain is most often where our chances lie.
In my own situation, I have found the chances to be a ladder out of grief and guilt. The chance to find ways to help others while helping our own family. My Brother-in-Law’s death has given me a second chance to be a better sister. To not just be ok with every once in a while. To remember that to make the effort has the ultimate payoff, a better relationship with my sister.
We can all find these chances. We must refocus the lens of our pain, frustrations, sadness, guilt, to become opportunity, strength, commitment and a rejuvenation of mind and soul.
It’s certainly not easy and there will be good days and bad days, but the first step is to think about “how would I want it to be?” Sometimes the very point of definition is the place from where the snowball can start to roll down the hill.
Starting is the key and the rest will come and to start on your second chances today may just give you the spark to make today ‘anewfavoriteday.’
mynewfavoriteday 
What a powerful post! Thanks for the reminder. Good luck with your new second chances. I’m sure somehow you and your family will overcome.
Thanks Karen. I appreciate your kind words and well wishes. Have a great day!
Shannon, the truth in this post is so universal and so appropriate not just today, but everyday. Sending lots of love and light to you and yours. xoxo (I’m off to share this on both of my pages…)
Thanks so much Mary…I am so happy you think so and I so appreciate your sharing my thoughts with your friends. I do believe we all have the opportunity for second chances everyday. Xoxo
Thank you Shannon, you are a wonderful daughter and sister. I love you and your being there for your sister was a great comfort to me as well.
Thanks dad. Love you too. Although so sad it was so comforting to be with you both and glad we could be there to help A together.
Once again you have so eloquently written something we all need to be reminded of.
So sorry to hear about your brother in law!
Sending you and your family many prayers and much love!
Thanks Katie. You are so lovely and so appreciate you taking the time. Love to you, Sean and that precious mini…xoxo
Oh sweetie… So sorry to hear about your sister’s husband. I’m in LA next week. Would love to meet up. Sending love.
Would love to see you Claire. Thank you, my sister is one amazing woman..not that I didn’t know it before but watching her strength and grace I was in awe.
Shannon, I am so sorry for your loss….and for Emma’s diagnosis….you will be in my prayers and remain always in my heart. I am here and if you ever need anything or just to come visit or call and yak or…know I am praying for you, Emma and your sister.
Thank you so much. I know you are here, you always “show up” my friend. I so appreciate your kindness and thoughts. We are ok, and we continue to find the small reminders of how lucky we are in a smile, giggle, or a lovely comment like this. xoxo.
I’ve been thinking of you ever since your post on Emma’s diagnosis so I came to check on you today and then I saw the rainbow pic. Rainbows have always been my little sign from Hadley. So I visited for you but found something for me :).
I hope you are doing okay and I’m so sorry your family has suffered such a loss.
Thanks so much Jessica. I am sorry for the delay, I have been processing and trying to keep my perspective at the same time:) Yes, I found the rainbow so poignant. The girl in the picture is actually my sister…there was a rainbow shining over her as she was on the phone…to me it was her husband saying, it’s ok, I am still here, just in a different way. It seems you feel the same as Hadley is still shining down as well… xoxo to you and thank you.
Yes, it’s been a tough year for many, many folk… Sorry to read about your brother-n-law’s passing… Sending healing light and love to your family
Sending prayers, blessings and healing to your family, especially to Emma.