Ask any roofer or painter and they'll tell you that one of their secrets to success is climbing the ladder "one rung at a time." After all, have you ever tried to climb a ladder more than one rung at a time? It's pretty difficult, if not impossible. Having done my fair share of painting, I've certainly come down the ladder more than one rung at a time, and I do not recommend it. As I recall it hurt a lot.
Today's photo was taken in 1997 and what caught my eye at the time were the colors. Today I look at it in a whole new way. My friend Kathy lost her husband, Jeff, to esophageal cancer in 2006. He was 43. Jeff's outlook regarding his cancer and how he chose to handle it with grace and strength was amazing. He declared that he would face the challenge "one rung at a time." He truly became an inspiration to his caregivers and others that came in contact with him. Although Jeff lost his personal battle with cancer, the war goes on. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, in Ann Arbor Michigan, is in the process of working with Kathy to form the Jeffrey M. Stemberger Esophageal Cancer Foundation. As more information becomes available, I'll be sure to pass it on.
The power of one. Such a simple concept, and yet so overlooked. Facing challenges one day at a time can affect the future. Donating one dollar to the Salvation Army kettle adds up with others. Giving one can of food to your local food shelter fills an empty spot on the shelf. Giving one toy for one tot could make someone's Christmas. Don't forget--one can do wonders.
No comments:
Post a Comment