The World Turned Upside Down - Joan

          There is a song in the play Hamilton after the victory at Yorktown that is as filled with wonder as it is with trepidation. The underdog colonies emerged victorious, surprising the world, as much as the British. When I heard the song for the first time, the powerful lyrics resonated with me as their meaning is emblematic in my own life in the twists and turns I could never have imagined.

          How many of us ever thought we would be where we are today? Doing what we are doing? And even if we did, and we are, I'll bet it looks and feels as different to you as it does to me. From marriage vows to professional accomplishments and parenthood, surprises lurk. Some are good, better than we could have ever dreamed, like grand-parenthood for example; others not so much, like cancer diagnoses and the deaths of those whom we love.

          As I think about my own life, my cancer diagnosis at age 44 turned my world upside down. Now, twenty healthy years later, I count my blessings more openly, more meaningfully. I was given a gift, not only in longevity, but in the wake-up call to think about and recognize what is important. It is the same kind of decision process our new nation needed to undertake; yes, on a smaller, more personal scale, but monumental none-the-less.

          As I face this anniversary of my re-birth, I do so with anticipation, knowing the importance of the insights I have learned on our miracle journey: to practice a generosity of spirit, to forgive myself as well as others, to strive for understanding and acceptance, and to dream and work for justice (if not for the universe then at least in my part of it). Most importantly, to be grateful for the abundance that surrounds me from the sea breeze to the shared love of my family and friends.

          Yes, the world turned upside down, but it is OK, we survived.