Ray of Life

Photo by: Hollye Schumacher

"The meaning behind the doorway are many. For one, it is an optimistic symbol for the life benefiting opportunities that organ and tissue donation can afford. The ray of light ready to take over the dark corners of the room implies an abundant amount of hope and altruistic goodness that pours through the hearts of organ recipients and donors.

This image also alludes to the idea of the unknown. The long waiting lists and unknown outcomes of surgery often leave organ recipients in a fragile balance between untimely death and a healthier prolonged life. This precious balance between light and dark is so intensely related to the emotional life or death experiances that organ donors and recipients face. It was my goal in this image to show that highly contrasted struggle between the good and the bad as well as share an image of hope for the outcomes of that uncertainty." Hollye Schumacher

Happy 8th birthday to me. Eight years ago today I was receiving the gift of life from my 21 year old son Eric. Even though I am older in years my heart has begun anew and I look forward to the promises of tomorrow. I say thank you to him today and acknowledge the most generous gift of all, giving a part of yourself to save another.

The eight years have been filled with some obstacles, tears,and much needed laughter, but most of all I have learned about trusting God, standing strong in my beliefs, and realizing that it is only myself that can bring about my own peace and joy. And I have been blessed to discover that. No one can live your life for you, no one can fill you up and no one can make you happy.

What is happiness? Many think it is a feeling of giddiness, euphoria, always smiling, etc. But happiness for me is a feeling of quiet thankfulness and a sense of peace that only comes when you can trust yourself to allow life to unfold the way God has intended. I have learned to be patient,(even though it doesn't always feel good) and endurance and steadfastness have become part of my vocabulary.

You can't rush your life ahead of itself. So wait with anticipation and a knowing that God will bring all you desire and dream of. Today I am thankful most of all for the health he has blessed me with. Illness confines you so. but wellness leaves your spirit free to invite all the goodness that awaits you. So remain open and learn to receive and wait on the timing of God.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it: because it will surely come, if will not tarry.
Habakkuk 2:3