The Alchemist
Every morning I go to a local coffeehouse for my jolt of java to bring to work. One of the barristas is this nice engineering student that I frequently converse with as I am waiting for my coffee to brew. I can't remember what we were talking about, but the end result was he recommended a book, "
The Alchemist" by
Paulo Coelho.
That day on my lunch hour I bought a copy of the book. I never see the barrista outside of the coffeehouse. But that day, as I was walking back to work, I saw him and flashed the book at him. He was happy to see I had purchased and that in itself gave me a good feeling.
The book is great and I wanted to share his suggestion to read it. I am struck by how appropriate it was that I saw him right after I purchased the book. Those of you who have read it will understand this.
Paulo Coelho has written many books that are about people's journeys with wisdom, faith, courage, forgiveness, redemption, love, hope, temptation and obsession. "
The Alchemist" is the story of a shepherd's journey to wisdom.
A favorite quote
Whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should...
Max Ehrmann
For Pat
Hard to believe it is December already. November just flew by and no posts. I made my annual trip to Atlanta and didn't write about it. But, I didn't log in to write about my trip (I'll have to do that another time).
Recently a friend passed out of this Earthly journey and into the next. She had cancer and reminded me so much of my dear friend Janet who passed on 15 years ago. They both faced the disease without letting it get the best of them.
Janet was one of the closest friends I have had in this life. I miss her and at times it is still hard to believe she is gone. She had a lot of faith and helped me find mine.
Pat was someone who touched my life. During this past year, I watched her get diagnosed with cancer and go through the treatment options. She had rectal cancer and made jokes about the surgery and what had been removed. She was a women with strong faith and I felt privileged to see her humanity. Particularly, during the times when the chemotherapy and pain got to her and she was angry about the disease that was taking her life.
She didn't stay in the anger long. She vented, felt bad, picked herself up, and plodded along. It was important to her to leave this Earth peacefully and show her children that she will be with them always in spirit.
I know she will be with me always in spirit. And, I feel so lucky.
