Tornado Warnings

I was waiting for my car to be repaired today at my brother's shop, Pohanka in Chantilly.  As I sat there in the waiting room, CNN was airing all the news about the tornadoes that struck yesterday.  That right now the death count is just over 250 people, hitting 13 states, something like 130 tornadoes actually touched down,  the worst storm day in 40 years, and when all is said and done, it may surpass the worst storm day. 

What struck me was the people they interviewed.  EACH person they spoke to said how thankful they are to be alive.  Their homes destroyed, loved ones still missing, dogs lost, and they are standing there in jumbled clothes with jumbled hair stating how thankful they are. Saying how they laid in their bathtubs with their dogs and neighbors while their roofs got ripped off. How happy they are to be alive.

I was watching thinking, "they've just had their moment."  They've had that moment in their lives where they will probably never forget, and maybe (just -maybe) they will KEEP being grateful.  Keep cherishing every day, waking up each day grateful, and if need be - make changes in their lives.  While the tragedy is obvious, and in no way do I want to belittle it, I hope that people hold onto that memory as the day they got a second chance.  While the news broadcasters are saying, almost in a blase manner, go to http://www.redcross.org/ and list yourself as "safe and well" so your families can know you survived...these people just glow with joy that they did.  It really struck me.

My friends and fans know I've had that "moment" more than once in my life.  Actually 2 times.  Where I literally looked death in the face.  So, when friends tell me that I do too much, its because I've had my freakin' moment!  I want to squeeze every last drop out of every day!  I actually had a girlfriend say that I have the personality of "crazy busy lady" and it works for me.  I don't know if that's it, but I just never feel like I'm doing enough.  I am so aware of the preciousness of each day that its almost an obsession.  Not that I go full speed every day all day, some days I do nothing (but I cherish it too), I'm just so thankful to have this day I want to taste and sample and savor everything.

Does that make sense? 

Are you as grateful as you should be?  I am sure lots of people don't, its human to look at the negative.  And for me, its something I try to do every day, to focus on the good, the wonderful and the blessings.  Tornado Warnings should scare us all.  Should make us all grab our loved ones and squeeze them tight.  Should make us take stock and make a list of what you want to do! 

If my friends and fans read this and stop and count their blessings - they are doing me and the Tornado victims a service.  A great tribute.  Also, go to Red Cross to help, of course.

And I am THANKFUL for you, my readers!  Your support and donations are making my dream come true!XOXO, Bionic Mommy