I spent this past Saturday on Martha's Vineyard. The weather was better than perfect and my time there was nothing less than glorious. I was there to ride my bike along side my friend Caroline, her husband and several of her family and friends for the MS bike challenge.
Caroline was diagnosed with MS last year shortly after she woke up one morning to find that she couldn't see out of her left eye. It was shocking and mind blowing for Caroline and all who know and love her. You never know what life is going to hit you with, and you certainly don't know how you are going to face a challenge until you're forced to. I'm sure that Caroline has tough days, but you would never know it. To know Caroline, is to love Caroline. She is a person of great joy, faith, and love and it shows. Her father lost his battle with cancer 15 years ago, and since marrying the love of her life three years ago, Caroline and Sean have not been able to conceive a child. And still, Caroline shines.
On Saturday night I sat up thinking about the day, Caroline, my life and life in general. I had just spent one of the most beautiful days I've ever had with one of my very best friends BECAUSE she has MS. I would not have been on the Vineyard, riding my bike, going out to breakfast, riding on the ferry, looking at the beauty of the ocean, taking in the salt air, and laughing with friends, if Caroline had not been diagnosed with MS. If I could have a prayer answered the way I would want it to be answered, I would ask that Caroline would never have had MS to begin with. However, I know that God's ways are not my ways, and that God answers prayers on His terms. I'm sure if you asked anyone there they would say they would have given up that day and all the beauty of it, if Caroline could be healed.
I'm going to take this opportunity to shine like Caroline does. I'm not going to focus on the fact that she has MS rather, I'm going to focus on the blessing that she is in my life and the life of so many others. I'm going to focus on the perfect day I spent with her and her family and friends. I'm going to focus on the gift of life and ALL that life has to offer. I'm going to focus my family and friends, who have prayed for Caroline and for those who were able to donate to the ride (you know who you are and you are very much loved and appreciated). I'm going to thank God for being a loving and merciful Father, and for Mary who's "yes" teaches all of us what trusting in God can do.
I got to be just "Colleen" again last Saturday. Not "mom" Colleen or "wife" Colleen, but the Colleen who became friends with Caroline shortly after grad school, the Colleen who lived with Caroline before getting married, and the Colleen who asked Caroline to be my maid of honor. My life has changed so much in the past 5 1/2 years and in some ways I've felt like I've lost myself. This time away with one of my best friends allowed me to find myself again. I thank God and Caroline for that. I love you Caroline. :-)
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