I’ve often wondered about both, strength and gratitude. I’ve considered myself to be a strong woman most of the time but then, I’ve fallen to my knees a good amount too. Prayer has helped me through some of the darkest challenges I’ve faced in my life. Strength can also be spiritual. When our faith is unwavering, especially through trying times.

Gratitude, is something that may come more naturally for some people, while for others, it may be inspired by circumstances. I know that personally I am grateful when things in my life take an upward turn. But when things are going well, I have to remind myself to be grateful.

Today, I met a woman who possessed both strength and gratitude. She made such an impression on me that she inspired this essay.

While at the veterinary office with my pup, this woman was standing at the counter retrieving her pet. She was chatting in a way that engaged not only the woman with whom she was speaking, but also those of us nearby. She especially caught my attention when I heard her say that she had recently undergone chemotherapy and that she was a cancer survivor. Looking up, I suppose I expected her to appear frail but I was surprised that she wasn’t at all what I expected.

By then she had my full attention and when her eyes met mine my immediate response to her story was, “Oh, I’m so sorry!” To that she replied, “Please don’t be! Being sick is the best thing that ever happened to me!” No doubt the look on my face prompted her to explain herself as she went on to say, “You can’t fight something you don’t know you have!”

Wow!

“You can’t fight something you don’t know you have!”

My mind was thinking so many things. I had so many questions. Where did she get her strength and how could she be so grateful! Would I have this attitude if I had cancer? I couldn’t help but be inspired by her contagious spirit.

After her business was done she made her way to her car and drove off. I will admit that I hated to see her go. I wanted to know this woman!

If I could speak with her again I would thank her for sharing her story. I would like to tell her how much she inspired me with her attitude of gratitude.

I don’t believe in accidents or happenstance encounters. I do believe that people are put into our path for a reason, whether it’s for a brief time or long term.

I will be looking for this woman, and I hope that one day I’ll have the opportunity to thank her for the lessons she shared today. My lady of strength and gratitude. 🙏🏽

Kim Brewer – Bettencourt