• Home
  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me
  marcoujor's musings

mar's Desk

​This multi-topic blog publishes weekly on Wednesdays.
Thank you for the visit and please enjoy the reading.

Home

marcoujor: Promise & Healing

6/15/2016

18 Comments

 
Picture
I tend to write my musings on the Monday, before you see published on Wednesday of the same week. Most of us are rebounding from the tragic news that comes from Orlando, Florida.

I'm often asked if shootings bring any memories back for me. I was involved in a professional situation where a colleague was shot to death and I was shot six times by a terminated employee. This tragedy occurred June 16 - 18, 1999.

I'm sad that almost seventeen years to the day that countless lives continue to be lost or forever changed as the result of man's actions against man.

I consider myself blessed to have seventeen years of growth and healing in my recovery tool box. I'm able to see a bigger picture than what personally and profoundly affected me. I wish patient and gentle days ahead for those whose lives have been directly or indirectly touched by these shootings. I pray that families are given the space, dignity and privacy they deserve over these days - by the media and others who have a personal need for answers / are on quest to prove a point.

As I recovered physically, I gained perspective on what needed healing from an emotional viewpoint.  I continue to work on trust, grief, vulnerability and anger issues stemming from the incident. I'm hoping that health care professionals from all disciplines will step up to the plate when dealing with survivors, families, loved ones from physical, emotional and spiritual realms. I am forever indebted to those who helped me along every leg of my healing journey.

I wanted to share the Inspirational Quote in my daily e-mail today:

If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. (Maya Angelou)
​I also wanted to share an e-mail I received from the Sisters of Mercy at one of the universities I teach for:
​ Our hearts break watching the news today. We long for the days when violence and hatred are a thing of the past.  Hold your love ones a little tighter today and through everything you do spread love.

​What is / was the most beautiful smile you ever saw?

PictureAndy Jordan enjoying some poolside chillin'
This was one of the questions I posed to fifty family, friends and colleagues. When I sat down to answer this for myself, I admit I ventured down several paths.

I am hooked on the power of a smile. I guess I'm hooked on facial expressions in general, as I prefer to know where I stand in any and all matters.

Smiles give me hope and encouragement. I don't remember any specific words that were exchanged. I will forever treasure the smiles, no matter how forced, that my husband, mother and siblings each gave me as I recovered in the early hospital days.

Smiles give me hope and a sense of purpose. Over thirty years of nursing and teaching, I have witnessed smiles of colleagues, patients and students that could collectively erase the violence and bloodshed with the conviction of goodness, compassion and love for each other.

Smiles give me hope in the joy achieved from the day to day. Smiles given to me by the four-legged critters I've loved along the way have been priceless. Currently, Andy Jordan may have Mama's vote for smiles by a mile award. ☺  Andy's current pose of joy and contentment is a reminder I'd like to share far and wide, along with the loyalty, protection and unconditional love included with his smiles.

I felt myself collectively and universally smiling at these responses sent to me from family and friends who sent answers to this question.

  • ​On the faces of children
  • My son's when he first smiled as a baby; it filled me with the kind of joy that was immeasurable and indescribable.
  • Belonged to the Love of my Life.....late husband and father of my two older sons.  He had the smile of an Angel that literally brightened up my whole world......beautiful, sweet, sincere and sexy.  Most dynamic smile of all time.
  • My mother's sister was unable to talk after suffering a stroke in her nineties. When we visited her in the nursing home and she saw us coming in the door, her face lit up with a smile that brightened the entire room. She kissed my hand and mouthed, "Love you."
  • When my babies first started smiling
  • My wife being kissed by a Roy Orbison impersonator as he sang "Pretty Woman" to her
  • My son-in-law
  • The most beautiful smile that I ever saw was in a dream. I was giving a bath to a small child, dark haired, dark eyed. She was talking up a storm and laughing. And near the end of her bath, she looked at me with nothing short of an angelic smile, brightening her cherub face and said, "Now we're gonna go to bed and suck our thumbs." Something about her smile just lit up my entire being. I will never forget that dream. The next day, I felt like I had been visited by a little angel! I wondered for some time who in the world she was or what the dream meant.
  • The smile of a patient I worked with in Richmond, Virginia. She was about 9-months-old. She was born without a nose. She's one of the most beautiful babies I've ever seen. The memory of her sweet smile and happy disposition still lights up my soul.
  • A mother looking at her newborn baby
  • On my grandchildren
  • Oh, there were more than one. Besides the first smiles of my children and grandchildren, and the smiles I got from my parents right in the beginning of my marriage when my husband and I could visit them only once a month, I got the most beautiful smile from my husband, about a year after our divorce when we happened to see each other while waiting in our cars for a traffic light to turn green. Although I have stopped loving him by word and deed, he still mattered to me. I didn’t want him to hate me, so that smile meant more to me than he would ever be able to comprehend.
  • Don’t know. I like them all, except the ones on TV when evil people contemplate hurting others.
Babies and our beloved family are heavy hitters in the smile department--music to Maya's ears I would think.

Once again, thanks to all for your heartwarming responses.  It's never too late to send me your thoughts. I can easily edit/update the posts of questions previously asked.

​In conclusion

Mom was wise. She taught me I didn't always have to have an answer. She taught me the value and comfort in absolutely listening with a nonjudgmental and accepting demeanor. I model her approach (as much as I do) with family and those I interact with through life.

I recently heard this song on a new album I've acquired by a new Country and Western crooner, Sturgill Simpson. It’s called The Promise. I'm sending this one up to heaven because I am sure my Momma would love this old soul's melodies as much as I do.

ShoutOuts

☙Inspired by Uncle via Musician’s Helper
☙Where's YOUR sisterhood? via WarnerWords
​☙What's a indie biz affiliate? via flashPress

This week promises to be even nicer than you think is possible.  Go above and beyond in making someone smile. The reasons are countless and the investment has unlimited and far-reaching potential.

Until next week, hugs and smiles,

​mar
18 Comments
Gail Sobotkin
6/15/2016 09:05:16 am

Dear Maria,
Whenever I hear of another terrible shooting I do think of what you went through and wonder if such news brings back the horror and senselessness of it all. I can tell from this post that you do indeed have a different perspective than most of us- one that is more insightful and compassionate and which leads you to cherish the important things in life--the love and smiles of those who are most dear to you.
Thanks, as always, for sharing your hard earned wisdom and for passing on the things you learned from Miss Sammie.
Sending Blessings, Love and Smiles from my Heart,
Gail
PS Andy looks so healthy, regal and content and I'm so glad he's such a bright spot in your life

Reply
Maria link
6/15/2016 05:10:02 pm

Thanks for such a sensitive comment, dear Gail. You are a one in a million friend.

Love your description of Andy...and a bright spot, he surely is.

Love and hugs to you and Fred, Maria

Reply
Martie link
6/15/2016 04:10:39 pm

Dear Maria, I am still in shock about the event in Florida. Again, for the umpteenth time in human history, many-many lives have been badly affected by one crazy soul! Absolutely senseless! My deepest condolences and best wishes to all victims and their families.

I love your thoughts about smiles. I smiled all the way while reading this part of your post.

I'm now sending you a parcel filled with smiles....

and hugs,

Martie

Reply
Maria link
6/15/2016 05:12:42 pm

Dear Martie,

I share your horror and sadness at the evil that man is capable of.

I can literally feel those hugs and smiles across the miles...and love you for it. Bunches of hugs back, mar

Reply
Mike
6/15/2016 05:24:21 pm

Hello mar. Over Orlando, I am speechless. I did like the answers submitted regarding smiles. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

Reply
Maria link
6/20/2016 07:40:18 am

When I'm speechless, I tend to think of something positive - preferably something that makes me giggle... it hasn't always served me well ... ;)

Thanks for stopping by and causing smiles all on your own for so many of your fortunate friends, dear Mike.

Reply
Ruby link
6/16/2016 09:21:17 pm

Dear Mar, I'm late, but I've been having a great time with my sister Mary. I drove to her home in Evansville, In. and spent the day. I asked her to come to my home for a visit and she said, " ok " I was surprised because she rarely will go out anywhere, needless to say we had a great time for a couple of days. She is 92 and smart as a tack, gets around really good, weighs 110 lbs. I took her home today. She wrapped her arms around me and told me that she loved me. I feel so blessed to have her. Talking about smiles, her smile made my day....Have a great week ahead. Love you....

Reply
Maria link
6/20/2016 07:42:40 am

Although you never need a 'reason' to be 'late', dear Ruby - I'm delighted you had such a terrific visit with Mary - I can imagine it meant the world to both of you...

I can feel your smiles, so thanks for that! Love you too, mar

Reply
Vickster link
6/17/2016 04:28:25 pm

Dear Maria,

Of course you would relate in a very close and horrified way to this latest gun tragedy. It seems to be a new form of complete insanity.
How wise you were to pick,out the most smiling dog to be welcomed into your lively family. We all need smiles - just can't get too many of them!

Love and hugs frim Canada

Reply
Maria link
6/20/2016 07:47:35 am

Dear Vickster,

Thanks for those Canadian hugs and love - much appreciated.

Yes, our darling Andy is the poster dawg for the 'feel goods'...believe it or not, he has a 'nurse' instinct in him - really, he must have learned this in vivo from his sister, Aunt Baby...who was a born-nurse.

Have yourself a peaceful and comfortable week.

Love ya, mareer

Reply
Sannel link
6/18/2016 04:08:04 pm

Dear Maria,

I'm in shock and in disbelief of what happened in Orlando. So much senseless evilness in this world. My deepest condolences goes out to the families of the victims.
After all the sadness, I'm so happy you shared all the smiles from family and friends. It sure brought a big smile to my day. :D
Andy Jordan is such a dapper and distinguished gentleman, looking great by that beautiful pool. He does look like a Royal. :)
Thank you, sweet friend for a lovely read.
My love and hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
6/20/2016 07:52:41 am

LOL...His Highness (Master Andy Jordan) is presently unavailable for comment - as he is indulging in a morning nap (after all Mommy forced him out of bed two short hours ago...really?)

But Andy's Momma thanks you for your sweet and loving words, dear Sannel...

...hoping you and Freddie are set to have a doggone good week ahead. Love to you too, Maria

Reply
Peg Cole link
6/20/2016 09:25:45 am

Smiles...so many reasons to smile. Your story is of tremendous importance to others who will benefit from your courage and tenacity in the face of overwhelming tragedy. And that pool-loving Labrador of yours brings a big smile to my face, too. Love to you, sis. P

Reply
Maria link
6/22/2016 08:54:41 am

Dear Peg,

So happy to 'see' you smiling...yup, now you have me smiling again... :)

Thanks for stopping by and love to you too, Maria

Reply
crazyhorseladycx
6/29/2016 12:56:23 pm

howdy, ms. mar ~

i was greatly saddened o'er this horrific event. to say i'm not pleased with the media'd be an understatement. the families 'n victims shouldn't 've been interviewed, no doubt many harassed to do such when their minds t'weren't clear. that "need" 't seems that so many feel they're entitled to know i reckon :(

i'd wondered how such effected'ja, though i know that'cher strong. sendin' healin' hugs to yer heart 'n those'f all those who've now tryin' to put the pieces back together.

'n the rare times i'm out'n 'bout'n "society", i smile't complete strangers. whilst the smiles from wee ones warm my heart, that'f the elderly goes much further. i marvel't their resilience, find the beauty'n those lines that've 'come their test'f time.

don't reckon i've heard'f this fella, glad'ja put a link to such. i don't listen to music much these days, my need fer ol' country sound. this fella fits the bill :)

so glad that'cha've got such a strong support network, hon. those 4 legged kind sometimes the best medicine 'f all. they're gentle knowin'...i get that from the pups here, but fer myself, there's no replacin' my equine friends fer their true compassion. perhaps coz most 've struggled through abuse 'n loss 'fore comin' to live with me.

big hugs 'n love! to that mr. andy's well :)

Reply
Maria link
7/2/2016 06:46:20 am

Dear Lady,

Your remarks are sensitive, wise and most insightful. Thanks for always knowing what to say - like my Mom always did.

What a good point about your horses... Beautiful how you mutually support and love each other so...

Wishing you a peaceful and kind 4th of July weekend.

Love you very much, mar

Reply
Shauna
7/14/2016 12:24:25 pm

We never think the unthinkable will happen to us or close to home. Yet, it does and did. Pulse nightclub is less than a mile from where I work. Despite the detestation and sorrow, the community pulled together to help the wounded, mourn the victims, comfort the families, and foster their pets. I just wish it didn't take a catastrophe for society to show kindness on a daily basis. Haven't we had enough wake up calls?

Reply
Maria link
7/16/2016 06:13:35 am

I couldn't agree with you more, dear Sha - and I think we've had way too many wake up calls...

Sending you love and peace today and always, mar

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner


    The Web Only Your Site

    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



    Archives

    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    August 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013

    Thanks for Sharing!

    Popular Posts

    On Schizophrenia
    For the Love of Reading
    Kindness Does Not Discriminate
    A Healthy Recipe for a Balanced Life
    Playing the Game of Life
    Behind the Scenes at the Carriage Driver
    Remembering Mary
    How Wonderful
    The Legend of David Bowie
    Resolutions & Revelations
    The Gift of Life in Death
    The Charitable Spirit
    I Recommend
    The Magic of Soul Music
    Thanksgiving Leftovers
    ​Musings on Gratitude
    ​Perfection and Peace
    ​Everlasting Memories
    Adele Saying ''Hello''
    My Hero: Bruce Castor
    The Happiness Habit
    What Matters
    My Health Coach
    Vanity Views
    ​Just a Nurse
    ​Today is a Gift
    Everybody Hurts
    Bathroom Blues
    TIPS on Writing
    Self-Love or Selfish... ?
    The Power of Feedback
    A Balancing Act
    From Alphabets to Artichokes
    Findings on Finger-Labyrinths
    "Tell me a story, Kimmie..."
    Lessons of the Heart
    Sharing a Melody
    The Pleasure of Polarities
    The Ocean and Everything
    Letter to Sunshine
    Take Care of Yourself
    HOME
    GIFT SHOP
    AD SERVICES & SPONSORS
    BLOGS
    CONTACT ME
    I Recommend...
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me