"There is an angel at every corner to be the wind beneath your wings." -Tanisha Gaines

I believe unquestionably in the innate power of faith, fate, and karma.

I believe there is an unidentified equation determined by someone, some place encompassing the three tenants of basic human kindness.

I also believe the human spirit is fueled, and further enriched, by the power connection and our lives are molded by simple acts of kindness, each time we do something without expectation.

I believe good will towards men is necessary in order to fully appreciate life.

I believe all of this because I have seen it, lived it, and been touched to have my life eased because of the selflessness of good friends, strangers, and the unbreakable bond of family.

I also believe we all have a higher power, and something or someone we reach out to when we are scared. Maybe as simple as the old, faded teddy bear. The same beloved Winnie the Pooh, now worn and ragged from thirty-something years of bringing me comfort, still sits next to my bed. My mother reaches out to St. Jude and a cherished pair of rosary beads. For some, a simple walk at dusk looking at the stars is enough to ease your worried thoughts.

The means is not important. A teddy bear, a prayer in church or a simple conversation with the stars… something bigger is listening without criticism or judgment, and someone is providing comfort.

I hope you remember every day whatever it is that you reach for during times of desperation, or elation - when you can finally breathe that incredible sigh of relief because life is more than good, it is momentarily great and no longer shockingly at a stand still.

The same goes for the people in our lives.

The human body and mind have an unbelievable capacity to withstand more than we believe possible. Those shockingly stand still moments do not feel as terrifying in the moment because the human mind and body have an amazing ability to carry us through until we are ready to physically and mentally deal with the shock of a situation.

Moments of trauma or distress, situations that if we pictured the detail in advance would bring us to our knees. Imagine the unexpected agony you may feel with the sudden illness of a parent or child, or the grief brought on by the loss of a loved one. It is awful.

Now imagine it in intricate detail, as if it is actually happening. It is impossible, or if you are like me, you are on the verge of gasping for a single breath, saying, “There is no way I could handle that.”

That is not true.

There is a reason higher powers watch out for us, I use the plural out of the innate respect I have for the many religions celebrated in the world.

When something so incredibly scary and unbelievable happens, we find a way to breathe, unaware even that the shallow breaths we hear are our own.

During times of crisis, by the grace of the gods, friends, and strangers, we manage to put one foot in front of the other until we can catch our breath… and suddenly we realize we weren't breathing, someone was breathing for us.

That is when we realize, "Wow, what just happened and how did I get through it?"

Friends. Supports. Physical lifelines who asked nothing in return, just as a breathing machine asks nothing of the patient but to get well, and breathe on your own when you are ready.

People carried me for two months while we carried my loved ones, and the best thing is I did not have to ask. Maybe it is because these people are from Norwood, the town who knows and lives by the Nike slogan. Maybe it is because they are just kind, genuine people, who I am extremely grateful to have in my life. Maybe it is a combination. Regardless, I want to say thank you.

Some of you may have no idea what I am talking about. Many of you know exactly what I am saying, but regardless, heed my words of advice. When a friend or neighbor, or even someone in line at the grocery store needs a hand, help them out because sometimes the little things can really have a huge impact on someone's day, or even their life.