This is a guest blog from our wonderful Program Co-ordinator, Suzanne. Thank you again Suzanne for your heartfelt wisdom.
My sister made me a compilation CD when I once broke up from a long-term relationship. I found it the other day and listened to it. It had been many, many years since I had heard it. The theme was moving on from toxic relationships, strength, and independence. My sister wrote on the CD the title “Sue Inspiration” in felt pen. Each of the 17 songs had been carefully chosen – for inspiration value. Some of the songs included; Independent Women by Destiny’s Child, Beautiful by Christina Aquilera, Survivor by Destiny’s Child, Respect by Aretha Franklin, Don’t Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin and various Pink tunes.
I remember those songs became my anthems as I rebuilt myself and healed. I did not realise at the time what a small token of support can do for someone facing challenges. That CD was such a gift of love and hope. Listening to the songs you could not help but feel stronger and inspired.
It made me also reflect on how amazing humans are at supporting each other. I then recalled many conversations I have had with people each day who are concerned for a mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter wife, husband, partner, uncle, aunt, grandchild, grandparent, cousin, work colleague, friend, etc. They all call searching for information to share with their loved one in the hope there is an answer to help them move through their challenges; which could be illness, depression or some other trauma. I have seen so many people join our programs because of a caring relative / friend, and their simple gesture to forward on an A4 flyer of information has ultimately changed so many people’s lives.
Can you remember a way you supported a friend or relative in their time of need?
Or what did a friend or relative do to support you to move forward?
Thank you for sharing. There are so many stories I could share but the cd your sister made for you reminded me of the one my eldest daughter made for me 7 years ago. She would listen to me crying myself to sleep each night and one day she gave me a cd she made filled with beautiful, special songs that were meant to give me comfort and help me to sleep peacefully.
I would also like to share something that happened recently after my friend Neil who I met at Quest , recently passed away. When I went to visit Neil to say goodbye, he told me he would always connect with me through rainbows. Missing Neil and spending sometime crying in bed, I opened a book and on the page were the words – “You whose day it is, get out your rainbow colors and make it beautiful”. Neil’s rainbows continue to shine on me.
Sending you love and rainbows Suzanne,
Rita xx
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How lovely of your daughter, thank you for sharing that Rita. I had spoken to and met Neil a few times in the last two and a half years. I am glad you had the chance to say Goodbye to him. I spoke to him not so long ago, and said my goodbye. I am sure Neil’s rainbows will continue to shine on you. Rainbows and love back to you Rita. Suzanne xx
love it what a great idea, i have a friend who is doing it tough at moment i might make her a cd what a lovely idea. yes we all have our struggles as my dad says we all carry baggage some carry suitcases some handbags some sacks we are all wounded and need to look out for each other.thats what we were made for,helps us on the journey, my friend and i send inspirational poems cards letters, and we always include some fairy dust or sprinkles i laugh every time i open the letter and the floor is covered ,she gets me each time haha
Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:42:51 +0000 To: carys.morgan@live.com.au