WHEN WILL I START TO DIE?

Many years ago, a lady worked as a transfusion volunteer at Stanford Hospital. She became aquatinted with a little girl named Liza who was suffering from a rare disease and needed a blood transfusion.  She had a five-year-old brother who was a perfect candidate for the procedure, for he had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the life threatening illness. 

The doctor explained the situation to her  parents and asked the boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. The boy hesitated only for a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save Liza."

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled. Everyone was happy to see the color returning to the little girls cheeks, but his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor with a concerned look upon his face and he asked, "When will I start to die?"  Surprised by the little boys response, the doctor replied with tenderness. "You're not going to die and neither is your sister!  You are both going to live, because you were courageous enough to share your valuable life with her."  

Being young, the boy had misunderstood the doctor.  He thought he was going to have to give her all his blood in order for his sister to regain her health. He was willing to give up his life so she could continue on with hers.  Fortunately that was not necessary, but in his innocent heart he was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice. I have thought of this story many times and I too, have a personal connection to this level of sacrifice.  

My mother was in the second trimester of a very difficult pregnancy. The doctor informed her that in order to save her own life, it was imperative to abort the life of her unborn child.  My mother looked squarely into the doctor's face and said, "Over my dead body, I would never allow anything to harm this baby!" 

Through the stressful months ahead, she remained completely devoted to the life and well being of her baby.  As complications worsened, the doctor determined that she would not live through the delivery and again, advised her to terminate the pregnancy.  My mother refused and continued on, putting her child's life above her own. I often wondered if there were nights when she lay awake wondering, "When will I start to die." 

This was the risk she was willing to take to give life to her unborn child! Although she continued to threaten miscarriage, she did not waver.  After nine long months my mother delivered a healthy baby girl... and that child was me! I am humbled in knowing that my mother was willing to sacrifice her own life to protect mine. After all...  that is the ultimate gift.  Written by Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day

11/11/11 VETERANS DAY TRIBUTE

Today, I went to a first grade program at Laura Welch Bush Elementary in Austin, Texas. My granddaughter was in a patriotic program honoring Veterans Day. I was impressed by the patriotism of the six year old students when the American flag entered the room, carried by representatives of the Boy Scouts, and placed in the flag stand. All hands were on their hearts and the children stood united as they recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Those who had served in the armed forces who were sitting in the audience were asked to stand. I looked around the room and I could see the different generations represented; there were soldiers in their twenties and those in their late sixties. Then the first graders sang tribute songs honoring the different military divisions. It was very touching to see their sparkling faces and to see the strong soldiers standing proud before a room filled with tiny voices.  

There was a man in his sixties standing across from where I was seated and I noticed the tears in his eyes. Perhaps he had fought in Vietnam, I thought to myself. He was a man who had obviously experienced the repercussions of war, for I could see it in his posture and upon his face. Perhaps at some point he had stood face to face with death and not wavering, I wondered. Yet as the little children sang out, this man and others in the room were emotionally caught up in a beautiful experience. Again, I was proud to be an American and live in a wonderful country where "real heros" stand tall among the masses. 

Unfortunately, there are some people who will never understand the price of freedom until it's lost, but for those who do, we hold American soldiers in the highest esteem. The world is in need of honorable men and women; those who are willing to protect the rights and privileges of others who would be defenseless against the perils of evil. This country would not be safe without the courage, honor and loyalty of the soldiers who defend it. They are those who are willing to give everything for what they believe!  I truly stand in awe. 

This entry today is dedicated to the many soldiers who watch over a great nation and wherever you may be, "Have an amazing day today and everyday thereafter, knowing that you indeed make a difference in the lives of the American people." 

I am so thankful for freedom. I know that many have paid a tremendous price for me to enjoy each breath that I take, the sunrise just beyond the horizon, and an equal opportunity for life itself. I am grateful that someone is more brave than I and that they valiantly go before and prepare the safe passage for me and my family. I am eternally grateful! 

11/11/11 at 11:00 a.m. millions of Americans were standing proud in honor of all those who sacrifice to protect, defend, and sustain the people of this great country. We are truly indebted to the valor of the American soldier. Written by Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day 

(In 1953 the people of Emporia, Kansas called the holiday Veterans Day in honor and gratitude to the veterans of their town. Soon after congress passed a bill introduced by Kansas congressman renaming the federal holiday to Veterans' Day. Beginning in 1954, the United States designated November 11 as Veterans day to honor veterans of all U.s. wars. In 1971 President Nixon declared it a federal holiday.) 

WHO PACKED YOUR PARACHUTE?

For those who know me well, understand that I have a great sense of appreciation for those who prepare the way for others. I am grateful for those individuals who's sacrifices have made it possible for me to live a better life, both attributing to my success and my well being.  An excellent example of the sincere appreciation for "one person who made the difference" is the story of jet pilot, Charles Plumb.

Charles Plumb was a US Navy jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent 6 years in a communist Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from his experiences.

One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, “You’re Plumb, you flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk and you were shot down!” “How in the world did you know that?” asked Plumb. “I packed your parachute,” the man replied. Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man shook his hand and said, “I guess it worked!” Plumb assured him, “It sure did. If that chute hadn’t opened, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Plumb couldn’t sleep that night, thinking about the man he'd met earlier in the day. Plumb says, “I kept wondering what he might have looked like in a Navy uniform: a white hat, a bib in the back, and bell-bottom trousers. I wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said good morning, how are you, or greeted him at all - because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor.” 

Plumb thought about the hundreds of hours that sailor must have spent standing in front of a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship. He would have carefully weaved the shrouds, folded the silks of each chute and given meticulous attention to detail. Every time he packed another parachute, the young sailor held in his hands the fate of someone he didn’t know. 

After reading this story, I paused to think of the hundreds of people throughout my lifetime who have "packed my parachutes!" I was very emotional, for there are many, from my mother and father to school teachers, friends, neighbors, church leaders, camp directors, aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers, grandparents, husbands and wives... the list is endless! Throughout my life, these amazing people have provided me with their strength, wisdom, courage, inspiration, protection, service, shelter, motivation, comfort, sustenance, example, sacrifice, etc., and all for the purpose of assisting me in having a successful and rewarding life. So, now I ask you, "Who packed your parachute?"

Sometimes in the daily challenges of life, we miss what is really important and perhaps overlook "the sailor" so to speak. How often do we show our gratitude by saying hello, please and thank you. Maybe we fail to congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment, or just do something nice with no reasons in mind. 

November and December are special months of gratitude and thankfulness. As you go through this week, this month, this year, recognize the people who pack your parachutes. It may be a physical, mental, emotional or spiritual parachute, but they are all being packed by someone who sincerely cares that you land safely at your desired destination.  Written by Linda Sumner Urza, One find day

THE FALLEN SPARROW

I received the photos below from a friend and I was immediately taken aback by what I was seeing. The pictures were taken by Wilson Hsu, a freelance photographer, who sold them for a nominal fee to a newspaper in France (all copies sold out the day the pictures were published). I searched the internet for the complete story and found fragments of information, but nothing that spoke to me like the words from my own heart. I have written my interpretation as this story unfolds. 

The most beautiful and significant miracles are within our reach, but many times we are preoccupied in a world that is filled with tragedies and inexplicable events. Many people get distracted with worldly matters and become oblivious to the sweet miracles that surround daily life. In the photos below the evidence of God's love is present in the smallest of His creations. 

A sparrow swoops across the road and is fatally injured by an on coming car.  A photographer watches carefully as the tender mercies of life and death unfold.

   

The tiny sparrow is unable to fly and looks back to see its mate, who immediately responds to the fallen companion. With unfailing devotion, the sparrow continues to bring sustenance as a source of strength to the injured bird. Frequently, the tiny sparrow calls out in distress, but nothing can be done to change the fateful outcome.

The little sparrow looks on as death becomes inevitable for the injured bird, yet it responds with endless compassion until the final moment... when all is lost.

The photographer watches in awe as the little sparrow tries to revive the fallen bird. It makes several attempts to lift its companion into the air, not yet aware that the little bird has died. Then the sparrow releases its clutches and steps back to mourn the death of its beloved companion.

The distressful chirping of the sparrow echoes through the streets and its sounds as if the little bird is calling out in anguish. All that is left is the reality that this life is fragile and incomplete.

As it mourns the loss of its mate, the cries of the chirping bird is conclusive, for there is anger, there is sorrow and there is evidence of a searing pain that cannot be extinguished. Within the tiniest of God's creatures, there is a deep understanding for the eternal principles of love.

The accuracy depicted in these photos is remarkable and for those who have lost a loved one, there is empathy in the sorrow. Many people believe that animals do not have the ability to express feelings or emotions, but these pictures are a witness of the love and the pain of God's creatures. The scriptures teach us that Father in Heaven knows when the tiniest sparrow falls, than how much more is it that He cares for His children. 

One day you may have a loved one fall by the wayside. Your first instinct will be to do everything possible to revive the magnificent spirit that once was, but reality will prevail. 

This life is fragile and incomplete, every moment in time is precious and cannot be recreated. Bask in the grace of God's light, live simply, love generously, care deeply and speak kindly. Our lives are but a small moment in the realm of the eternities and we will all experience the plight of the little sparrow. We too, will understand the depth of a love lost. Written by Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day

                                     

                                      Grace is God reaching down

                                     Faith is a Child of God reaching back