EMELIA and GRACE (continued)

Day 5

Yes, both women were different. You can not compare. Some people are stronger than others. Some are more resilient and may suffer more pain or depression. Still, there are ways to be creative before you go to help lighten everyones suffering along their road.

Emelia was still spending time in bed. There was absolutely no light in her world. Her days were filled with doom and gloom. Understandably so. Depression can be debilitating. She didn't want to see friends. She refused family visits. Emma was out with friends all the time. Her anxiety and fears were building by the day. She no longer knew what to say to her Mom. Pulling away was her solution to dealing with an issue that would never go away.

Grace called her cousin. "I know your busy but I really need to get over to the mall. Do you think one day this week you could give me a ride?" Her cousin was thrilled. People in our lives always want to help, they just don't know how. Monday came and they were off. It wasn't an easy trip, slow and steady. Grace wanted to go to Pandora. Once there, she found a kind woman to assist them. Grace had looked online all week long and chose ten charms and a charm bracelet for Annie. She spent time choosing the colors and the dividers to fit between the charms. Yes, it cost quite a bit but Grace explained to her husband how important this was to her.

Almost two hours later, Grace had personally put together the perfect bracelet, personalized for Annie. She brought it home and wrapped it in the perfect box with the perfect bow. It was beautiful! Grace also arranged with her girlfriend to construct the perfect Mexican Dinner. The family used to go to the local Mexican restaurant all the time. They planned a menu. Graces friend not only offered to pick up the ingredients and prepare the dishes, but she also stopped in Party City and picked up all the paraphernalia they needed for an authentic evening. She texted her husband and Annie telling them not to make plans on Friday night.

Friday came, the plan was executed without a hitch. Even the music, she found it on a uTube channel to play throughout the night. Need I say, they laughed and even had tears. Good tears from the memories they've shared over time. After dessert, Grace gifted Annie with her bracelet. She told her that every charm meant something from her heart. She reviewed each charm as if she was reviewing the most important thing in her life. She gave details on each one and why it was so important for her to receive the bracelet now, at this time, and from her Mom.

Can you see what is happening here? Can you see how there were such similarities between the two families, yet, by the choices they made, life can lead down very different paths. Grace and Emma will mourn their Moms and react to life in totally opposite ways. Ways that can reflect on their choices, relationships and even in old age. Both of these women had a choice. Unfortunately for Emelia, hers will affect her family very differently and this is very sad.

(Have you experienced anything like this with anyone you've known in your life? How did it make you feel looking in from the outside?)

To be continued...