My Journey Of Enlightenment: My Personal Journey

The journey of enlightenment has often been, the road less traveled. However, when traveled, its essential one has an open-mind with the ability for profound contemplation. I recollect my personal journey to enlightenment, as if it were yesterday. It was a magnificent summer day, the weather was stunning, an unusually cool 70-degrees, with no clouds in the sky. The phone rang, it was my father, asking if my husband and I could assistance him with an immediate need. Quickly thinking back in time, I pondered the minimal times my father ever asked for assistance, and realized it was only once, until now. I quickly responded with a “yes, what can we do”. I could hear my father struggling to get the words out and he said “I need you to pick

My grandmother led me to the master bedroom where my grandfather lies with an eerie stillness. The expression on my face must have been priceless, my grandmother touched my shoulder, and informed me, grandpa is sleeping. My grandmother asked me to have a cup of tea with her, so we strolled slowly to the kitchen in silence. Meanwhile, my husband stayed in the room with grandfather watching over him as if he was a guardian of the night. She proceeded to the brew Chai Tea, and she and I sat at the table talking for what appeared like hours. During our heartfelt conversation she informed be that Grandpa should be on what they call “Hospice” care, nonetheless they both refused it. She knew I was familiar palliative care from working in the hospital. This was the reason my grandfather had requested both Jim and I, to bring him to Wisconsin. My heart sank in my chest as I came to the realization that I was in fact “Journeying” my grandfather home to die. While my grandfather rested in bed, the three of us took care of packing, and making arrangements for somebody to watch the home while my grandmother was away. We loaded the vehicle with additional provisions for the long journey home, including a walker and wheelchair. Jim and I made a bed in the back of the Excursion using a mattress and a memory foam pad, to ensure my grandfather’s comfort for the long journey home. Finally, it was time to aid my grandfather into

I played the song, “Cat’s In The Cradle,” and remembered the stories my grandfather told me how much he has missed out of my father’s life, since he was chasing the “golden calf” or what he referred to as money, which took him away from his 5 boys and left them to fend for themselves. Grandfather, told me my father was one of his favorite children, since he showed his children everyday how much he loved them by being a flawless example, of the true importance of family. That moment was my Journey of Enlightenment I had been searching for all along. Looking at my life I was chasing that “golden calf” and missing out on what mattered most, family! Immediately, I made modifications in my lifestyle and converted additional time to my husband, daughters and family. I sold my business, took time off and essentially got to know my children from a different perspective. That choice has been a monumental decision in my life, one that has blessed me with further love, life, and understanding, than numerous individuals obtain in a lifetime. This is my Journey of Enlightenment that will last for all