Growing up, I never imagined what life would be like in my 30s. I never had a grand plan for how my future would unfold. I think my health issues kept me grounded with the belief that each new day was a gift, so why set expectations?
It’s hard to believe that 14 years ago my family was called to say their goodbyes before doctors performed emergency stomach surgery on me for internal bleeding. Now, here I am, a grown woman turning 33 years old today.
It is overwhelming to reflect on how I got to this very moment in life. It has been 33 years full of trials and pain – that I would not wish on anyone – mixed with amazing gifts and unconditional love that have made it an extraordinarily beautiful life. The tough times have polished me into the strong, grateful woman that I am today, and I have learned that it’s important to love life fully – not just the celebratory moments, but the challenging ones, too. It’s important to reflect on our lives and be grateful for the life we’ve been given, not just on days of celebration, but every day.
As I’m being gifted with another year of life, I want to share an extraordinary gift I received in hopes that this story will inspire you as much as it does me. At the end of last year, I had the privilege of crossing paths with Michelle Risi on social media, and I greatly look forward to the day I meet this kindred spirit in person. She is an amazing woman who is a Board member of the PKD Foundation of Canada. Michelle has endless talents, including being an artist. One evening last fall, she was compelled to paint a female silhouette. As she was painting, Michelle felt there was a bigger purpose behind the painting. Once completed, Michelle admired the colorful painting as she looked for the emotion she was portraying and the meaning to the painted character’s being. Michelle knew she had created something special. She reached out to her friend Robin, asked her to look at the painting and write what came to her heart. Through this collaboration, the title, “Becoming” was born, and the girl in the painting had her story.
Here is the poem Robin wrote:
Becoming…
She leapt into her life
She walked her own path
She stood in solitude,
Until she finally took her seat in the quiet serenity that comes
from…becoming.
She rested on the shoulders of many
They nestled in her soul
Together they created an enlightened place, and space that
comes from…becoming.
With the grace of a goddess,
The sensuality of a siren,
Her soul danced to the music in her heart, With each beat she
sank deeper into the sigh that comes from…becoming.
And thus this woman of goodness,
Of light and love,
Of tranquil power,
Looked to the sun and for the first time discovered that she
had…become.
-Robin Krystantos
A few days later, Michelle and I connected on Facebook and she learned more about my journey. As Michelle read Robin’s words and looked at the painting she had created, she reflected on my journey. At that moment, Michelle said she immediately knew the painting was mine. The magical part is that both the painting and the words were created without her or Robin knowing my story.
I was overwhelmed with emotions when I received Michelle’s outstanding work of art along with a personal letter and the poem “Becoming.” The timing of everything inspired me – the way it all came to fruition and the way that woman in the painting became “me,” because I love “her.”
I am honored to have Michelle’s beautiful painting hanging on the wall next to our front door. As I celebrate my 33rd birthday today, I will admire this remarkable gift. It encourages me to pause and connect with myself, feel gratitude for my life and for my place in the world. It’s a beautiful remembrance of how I have “become.”
Cheers to 33, how I’ve become and who I have yet to become! Do you have something in your home that you look at daily for inspiration and guidance that encourages you to love your life?
Beautiful story Valen. Happy birthday with wishes of many, many more.
Thank you very much Yvonne! 🙂 <3
This is the essence of you:
And thus this woman of goodness,
Of light and love,
Of tranquil power,
Looked to the sun and for the first time discovered that she
had…become.
Thank you so much Tenaya! Grateful for your support, friendship and believing in me.
What I find most encouraging each day is the face in the mirror I see looking back at me that I can never forget. While I see all of the failures and defeat that run deep and are hard to shake; I also see the beauty in the person I am becoming on the inside because of it. I see the courage to fight another day and the wisdom that comes from never wanting to see any person I encounter to experience even one bit of fear or pain I have, and especially of uncertain illness if I am able to offer an ear or snuggle. I am more inspired and grateful for the reflection in my fiance’s eyes when I am able to laugh at the absurdity each one of us needs to see in order to appreciate everything we are able to offer during our time here; and how precious a gift it is when we may otherwise would never have been given the chance to live it.
So beautifully said, Christy! Thank you very much for sharing! Sending big hugs your way and hope you are doing well. It sounds like you are well and strong and that makes me happy! xo
I have a poem that was made into a plague and hangs in our home and it is entitled….A Time to Believe. The words are what inspire me every day to keep going and a perfect reminder how precious our life is. It was given to me 20 years ago by a dear friend before my 1st liver transplant due to PKD. Having 2 transplants so far. I feel so blessed and live every day to the fullest. I share this poem every single time I do a presentation, because I feel everyone needs to hear these words. Happy Birthday sweet friend
Thank you very much Jan and thank you for sharing this! You will have to show me this plague next time I am at your home, which is hopefully sooner than later! 🙂 xoxoxo
Love this story Valen. Thanks for sharing it!
Thank you Maureen! So happy you enjoyed it.
Happy Birthday, Valen!
May all your dreams come true!
Big hugs for many more
Thank you Karin for your birthday wishes! 🙂 Big hugs back! xoxo
Happiest of Birthdays, Valen! Wishing you many more happy and healthy years. My inspiration are my 5 grandchildren. I told my doctors they have one job and that is to help me stay healthy enough to watch them grow up!
Thank you Margie! Five grandchildren is a wonderful inspiration! Focusing on positives and goals is great encouragement for us. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful becoming story, Valen! Loved it. Also love the serendipity that is present in all our lives.
Thank you, Vicki! I’m glad you loved it! 🙂
From, “The Loss That Is Forever” by Maxine Harris, Ph.D: Talking of Nietzsche…”He saw only one antidote to the danger of resentment: one must love one’s fate. Not only must joys and pleasures be embraced, but trauma and pain as well.” Lately, I have been using this as my daily mantra while I await a kidney transplant (hopefully before I must start dialysis)!
This is very true, Nancy! I appreciate you sharing this wonderful quote. I hope you receive a transplant prior to the need of dialysis. Wishing you all the best!