Contributed by Bob Rawlins, consultant to CAIRE Inc.~
“Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” ABC sportscaster Al Michaels yelled into his microphone capturing the essence of the moment at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY.
The USA was the unlikely winner of the gold medal — beating one of the best teams in the world, Russia. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) dominated world hockey for many years, and it took a miracle to defeat them that year. It took a group of extremely talented college players with hearts and inspirations greater than a country to win this battle on the ice.
It was a miracle, indeed.
During this holiday and Christmas season, I think on the miracles in my own life, and I find myself reminiscing over fond memories, family, friends, and feeling those sad emotions too — of missing those we can only sense in our hearts and minds.
Our life journey is full of miracles. I truly believe this. Right from the time we are born, that moment is a miracle. When your kids were born — a miracle. Some of the things we overcome in our journey is nothing short of a miracle.
The improvement of the sciences can help many of those who become very ill as they receive miracle medicines that improve and even save their lives. Many refer to this as being a natural miracle.
Do you remember one of those holidays when you experienced the season through the eyes of a child, or even met someone you never expected to? Did the word miracle come to mind? Probably. Miracles are everywhere!
We can talk about miracles and destiny, but then we could get into your actual religious beliefs. That is another article or conversation.
For those of us in particular who are dealing with a chronic illness, we talk about miracles or the hope of a miracle at times. I am a living miracle with all the escapes from death and the ugly things my body has gone through.
Now, after receiving a double lung transplant a year ago and living my life so much better with this miracle surgery is nothing short of a miracle. However, you also must believe in miracles and have faith. The bible is full of miracles that illustrate the power of faith of those who believe.
So, “Do you believe in miracles?”
Christmas was my mom’s and my family in Canada’s favorite holiday. We spent almost every Christmas and New Year’s together for almost the first 20+ years of my life. The memories, laughter, and festivities will last forever, but unfortunately time has taken away loved ones and we have all grown up and started our own traditions with our kids. But we never forget those days and always talk over the holiday and reminisce about those days like they were just yesterday. How it warms my heart and makes me feel how lucky I am to still be here and able to enjoy the current festivities and remember the old ones.
This is the fight I often write about my friends. This is what keeps me trying to keep striving for better health and reach out to as many people that need to be reminded about how special they are, and to have faith in the next miracle to happen.
This holiday, take time to reach out and talk to each other, and share your experiences today and throughout the year. Every day gets away from us and we don’t communicate as much as we’d like, depending on the circumstances. Put it on your Christmas list to reach out and catch up with friends and family. It is such a wonderful time and tradition.
Spread the cheer of love and happiness to one another. I wish the world would practice Christmas every day all year.
#kindness.
My friends continue to spread that cheer and love to many.
Put that next miracle in your stocking. Be a big part of the solutions going forward with your caregiver teams and doctors. Help them find that miracle for you. Only you know your body and only you can have the faith and desire to feel better.
Remember, “the ‘tude,” is so important. Sending you positive vibes and healthy thoughts.
#touchaheart, #kindness, #smileeveryday, #breathe-easy
Love to you all,
Coach Bob
Bob Rawlins, 65, of Medina, Ohio, is a double lung transplant recipient and a patient advocate for those who suffer from respiratory diseases and have been prescribed supplemental oxygen therapy. He is husband to Terese and father to their 18-year-old triplets. He also has two grown twin sons and four grandchildren. He serves as a hospital volunteer, band dad and chaperone, and marketing guru.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or by calling 1-800-482-2473 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
The contents of this blog post are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.
Image by Сергей Ремизов from Pixabay.