Post #15 NEW VISION
Enjoy these special photos – taken by my sister Lulu, AFTER her sudden vision loss. That’s right. She can’t see them. I’m in awe. Lulu is showing us HOW to take a sharp turn in Your Journey of You, and come out with a brand new life. This is what happened…
Lulu Farrell is my sister-in-law. I have known her for 36 years. She has always impressed – and intimidated me – with her greatness. Lulu is tiny in size, but her talents are immense. She is a gifted artist, successful entrepreneur, world traveler, benefactor, and so much more. Lulu is incredibly generous with her time, talents, love and money. As a daughter, sister, friend – in all her relationships – Lulu is loyal and dedicated. Several times, I have seen Lulu leave her job and career to devote herself to the consuming task of full-time caregiving. Years and years of caregiving – a sacrifice beyond my comprehension.
Lulu has one gift that amazes me above all. It is the gift of Letting Go. Lulu has repeatedly experienced what other people would call devastating loss. Loss of father, mother, spouse, jobs, careers, homes, health, property. Over and over, I have seen Lulu lose everything – or give it all away – and rise up to create a completely new and beautiful life from nothing.
Two weeks ago, Lulu had another huge loss – the sudden and extreme loss of vision in her right eye. That was her “good eye.” Lulu’s left eye was severely injured many years ago. Now, with her right eye also impaired, Lulu cannot see clearly up close or far away, cannot drive, and faces an unknown future. All the doctors can say is “Wait and see.”
This is especially poignant, since Lulu’s mother was legally blind from macular degeneration. In our family, we are very aware of the emotional, mental and physical hardship of vision loss.
Lulu’s reaction? I’m in awe. She took the full brunt of the news, felt the full range of loss and fear, and Let it Go. She is choosing to embrace her new life. Lulu calls this her next great adventure.
From Landmark Education, Lulu learned “Word creates world.” She has been teaching me for years to watch my language, because the words we speak have power. Our words literally create our world, and give meaning to our experiences.
Lulu’s mother used to say “I can’t see.” Those words created a world of suffering and loss. Most people would call that “reality.” But it isn’t.
Because we always have a choice.
Lulu described an amazing moment when she felt a huge physical wave of loss sweep over her. In that wave was every loss – including the wrenching losses of husband, father and mother. She felt it all. And it passed right through her. Afterward, Lulu felt… freedom. Lightness. Wholeness. A new adventure.
What Lulu will do next, I can’t begin to imagine. But for starters, she plans to celebrate 3 million miles of air travel, by flying to Los Angeles on business – unaccompanied. It will be different, she said, to look out the window and not see the clouds. But what will she do when she lands in LA and can’t see to get around? No problem! Take Uber.
I feel so honored to know Lulu personally. She is a truly great human being – inspiring proof that we can choose joy on the Journey of You – no matter what.
As for me, my own fears and losses seem a lot smaller today. I’m letting go of them. If Lulu can do it, so can I.
Love,
Felicia
December 6, 2016 Post #15