We are at the height of this year’s United Way campaign and almost everyday I have one and sometimes two talks to give. When I speak, I use my story of falling into the arms of an abuser, sharing my story of that road to hell and the journey back to well-being to illuminate the threads that connects us.

“I couldn’t do it alone,” I tell people. “I couldn’t get back on my feet without the help of the network of agencies the United Way knits togethers.  I needed a place like the Calgary Counselling Centre to help me, just as others, no matter the circumstances of their lives, need help to find their way out of the darkness into the light.”

To emphasize how dark my road had become, I tell them of wanting to die. Of wishing, hoping, praying that I could erase my presence on this planet, erase all memory of me from my daughters’ minds so that they could live free of the pain of the mother who had hurt them so much. I wanted them to forget me.

And then, I tell them how I couldn’t do it. How at that moment in my life there was only one truth I had left within me — I loved my daughters — and could not make a lie of that truth.

Yesterday, I presented at the kick-off event of a large engineering firm here in the city. When I began, I invited everyone in the room to raise their right hand above their head, bend it at the elbow behind their head and to give themselves a pat on the back. You’ve engaged in the three tenets of philanthropy, I told them. Give. Volunteer. Act. Here you are, willingly participating, turning up, willing to give your time, treasures, talents.

No one can do this alone. No one can make this a great city for everyone by themselves. It takes all of us. Giving what we can. Volunteering when ever we can and willing to take action to change — perceptions, beliefs, minds — as well as what we do on a daily basis to make a difference.

At the end of my presentation a man approached and said, “You don’t know me but I want to give you a hug. I think you’re very brave and courageous” And he gave me a hug.

“My wife committed suicide ten years ago,”” he said. “It’s had a devastating effect on my children. I’m so glad you didn’t do it.”

And I took a breath and hugged him back.

We don’t know whose heart we might touch, whose story we might connect to when we choose to share our stories of moving out of darkness into light, but connect we do, touch we will. And in that touch and connection, miracles happen.

I too am grateful, every moment of every day, for this life I cherish. I am grateful the police drove up and rescued me at a moment when I had lost all hope and was waiting to die. And I am grateful that my daughters and I have had the gift of time to heal, to rebuild and reclaim all and more of what was lost on that road to hell.

I am grateful for my life.  All of it. Darkness and light. Challenges and triumphs. Upheavals and smooth sailings. I am grateful for the snow this morning. The darkness of day’s awakening. The quiet of the house.

I am grateful.

And in my heart, gratitude makes the day bright. Gratitude is the difference and Love is always the answer.

May your day be filled with Love. May your heart be graced with gratitude and may you know you are the Love you seek. You are the difference you make and the world is greater for your light shining bright.

Namaste.