There is a silver lining to everything. It doesn't necessarily make the package it comes in better, but it does help.
During the time I had chemotherapy years ago, I never had a migraine. It was the silver lining in the package called cancer that was given to me. Sure I thought I would rather have the migraines than the cancer. But when given a box of assorted chaos it is the silver lining that helps one focus on the good and not the bad.
Ladelle sees the silver lining everyday. I am constantly amazed at her determination to focus on the beauty of the day and not the haunting beast.
When we suffer from losing someone to death it is easy to feel guilty in the daily moments of joy. It is easy to feel guilty if we survive cancer when many don't. It is easy to feel guilty when in the midst of pain and suffering a silver lining reaches out to you leading you towards living.
Small victories, life triumphs begging us to see the silver lining as a gift of goodness, to believe even when we care not.
Beautiful, I'm glad Ladelle is your friend and blessed with eyes that see the silver lining in everything.. Love to you both xx
Posted by: Katiebell | 21 February 2010 at 11:29 AM
Love to you and Ladelle
Love you
Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | 21 February 2010 at 12:14 PM
So beautifully said.
Sending love and healing thoughts to Ladelle.
Posted by: Alena | 21 February 2010 at 01:31 PM
This was so nicely put. We do spent much of our bright times feeling guilty. In your lovely post you will have gifted us with something to hold onto in grief, in suffering. Such a tender thing to have. Thank you.
Posted by: Penny | 21 February 2010 at 01:48 PM
Your words once again have touched my soul!!
What a lovely friendship!!
Posted by: Vicki | 21 February 2010 at 02:55 PM
Please, dear Corey, write an inspirational book. I am addicted to your blog.... Donna
Posted by: Donna @ An Enchanted Cottage | 21 February 2010 at 03:36 PM
Your words are so true. We are all waiting for your book. My strength comes from moving forward - keep moving forward and wake up each day thankful for what God has given us.
Posted by: Rhonda P | 21 February 2010 at 04:34 PM
Lovely thoughts. I'm holding Ladelle in my hands. E
Posted by: Ellen Cassilly | 21 February 2010 at 05:05 PM
Ladelle is blessed to have a friend in you. Thank you for sharing such personal experiences and thoughts. Your words sink in deeply.
Posted by: Laura | 21 February 2010 at 05:20 PM
Thanks for reminding us there are silver linings.
Posted by: Marilyn | 21 February 2010 at 05:40 PM
I'm thinking you are Ladelle's silver lining.
Posted by: shelley | 21 February 2010 at 05:51 PM
Let Joy prosper and grow and let it be contagious to all those around you...There is enough grief and sadness in the world...lets spread the joy.. adios to guilt..
Posted by: cynthia Wolff @Beatenheart | 21 February 2010 at 06:21 PM
24K gold post
Posted by: jend'isère | 21 February 2010 at 06:40 PM
Corey, this was so beautifully written. thank you
Posted by: Allison | 21 February 2010 at 06:43 PM
Ladelle has the right spirit. I am yet to speak with my friend Shirley who has her cancer back. She is a beautiful soul Corey - please send your prayers. Just checked out your day in Cassis yesterday, a Kir Royal at Cassis - bliss. I miss you still ! God bless, Jx
Posted by: Julie Ann Evins | 21 February 2010 at 07:50 PM
Corey, the French papers arrived yesterday - they are heaven in a brown envelope. I can't wait to use them in a painting. thanks for yesterday's post about Cassis and the one today. Your thoughts are so timely for so many people. An Episcopal priest named Barbara Crafton, who has meant so much to me, said in her email letter for the beginning of Lent, "Be what you can be. Grow into the full stature of Christ. Use what I have given you, and take joy in using it. I will give you the energy for it if you will step up to the plate and begin. See? Feel the stream of living water that flows straight from my heart to yours? Let that stream rush with power into the world, and you will know why I put you here, in this place, at this time." Undoubtedly God gave you the mission of this blog, because it touches so many lives. Thank you.
Posted by: Fran | 21 February 2010 at 09:41 PM
In this world that is "all about me" so gentle to hear qualms about being the one who may have received a silver lining. You saw the lining. Too many people would have cried "So what no migraines, I still have cancer." And the difference is grace. Your spirit is needed on this earth.
Posted by: home before dark | 21 February 2010 at 10:01 PM
I love your image of "a box of assorted chaos"--which is so often what life does bring us. I know Ladelle is thankful to have a wonderful supportive friend like you!!! My love goes out to you both
Elle
Posted by: elle | 21 February 2010 at 10:41 PM
Post was fantastic. Just got my test's back and I am Cancer free for another year.
We all have to do the best with what GOD hands us. Big Hug,,
yvonne
Posted by: yvonne rosenfield | 21 February 2010 at 11:15 PM
Keep the faith Ladelle, life is beautiful. Grab onto it with both hands.
Posted by: Jenna | 22 February 2010 at 12:02 AM
you are a wise woman. what a friend you must be! Bestest,Denise
Posted by: Denise Solsrud | 22 February 2010 at 01:48 AM
If you truly are as you write, then you Corey are one of the kindest hearts I know. xoxo
Posted by: gillian | 22 February 2010 at 04:37 AM
You have such a great ability to be positive even in hard times. It is no wonder you beat your cancer. I think you will live a very long life!
Posted by: Gina Baynham | 22 February 2010 at 06:33 AM
Corey, I needed this post today. Praying for your friend Ladelle.
Posted by: Lily | 22 February 2010 at 09:53 AM