A Little bit Ironic...don't you think?

Are you one of those people who make a wish when you see 11:11 hit the clock? If so, I bet you have wished once or twice that you would win the lottery, I know I have.

Earlier this month in Sandusty, Ohio a woman named Deborah McDonald received the chance of a lifetime on a popular lottery TV show, Cash Explosion Double Play. Deborah had brought some luck with her that day as she did win. She didn't win the millions we all wish for but she did win $8,000 and was extremely happy with that amount.

Deborah had been married to the love of her life, Robert, both of course thrilled because of the win. Their first priority was to buy new wedding rings for each other. They always meant to purchase "nicer" rings when they had the money to do it, now they have it. How exciting it must be to finally get that little bit ahead and be able to purchase something your have been longing for over the years. One January 28th Deborah walked to the mailbox and pulled out her winning check. First thing first- off to buy their new wedding bands.

Now, who remembers that Alanis Morrissette song, "Ironic"? One of the verses of this song reads, "an old man-turned ninety eight; he won the lottery, and died the next day". This past week Deborah McDonald was celebrating her win with friends over dinner and drinks at a nearby bar where she met her fate that same night. Tragically, that's where I found the ironic twist to this story. She was walking home and was struck by a vehicle, she was declared dead on the scene. But wait- this woman wasn't ninety eight, she was only forty-seven. I don't think she was ready to go; she had just received her check for $8,000 a few hours ago but her fate was out of her hands.

You may be asking yourself, "Why do things like this happen?" I asked myself the same question, repeatedly. I am guessing it is one of life's most unanswerable questions. Here was a woman and her husband, celebrating with family and friends practically floating on cloud nine, and their dream had become a nightmare. Now, her loving husband, Robert is left with a very small token of her love, his new wedding band. This story truly stuck with me during this past week. I think the lesson that we all must learn from this tragedy is to count each day as a blessing. With all the hustle and bustle of today's lifestyle from work to school to home life- it's easy to get caught up in the messiness. Take a step back, enjoy your life with friends and family and most importantly seize the day.

Carpe Diem

Here is an interview with Robert McDonald and the late Deborah McDonald's closest friend, who was with her on her final night... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7UZLXMQrNU

Comments

I posted a comment on Orlando's blog, "Interracial Relationships" about his struggle to find peace in a bi-racial relationship.

Comments

I posted a comment on Sarah's Blog about her recent home redecorating project.

You can't judge a book by it's cover...

Doctor. Nurse. Teacher. Firefighter. These are all common careers that children wish to be when they grow up. What did you want to be when you were a child? Now answer this, is that your recent position?

When I was younger I had a different career choice everyday, whether it was an artist, veterinarian or even a gymnast. In all reality, I finished high school and enrolled in cosmetology school where I put my creativity to the test. I received my cosmetology license in 2005 and worked in a hip, Lincoln Park salon and spa. Life was great!

In 2007, I was diagnosed with a severe case of psoriasis; this rash-like skin disease covered about 97% of my body. I worked in a salon where it felt like high school all over again, gossiping, clicks and a primarily woman staffed salon where if you didn’t fit in you were out. Here was my problem; I had a common skin disease that covered my body including my arms and hands. How can I cover up my hands when I work with them every day? I was embarrassed and I wore long sleeved shirts and pants in the blazing heat of summer while being under constant heat of blow dryers.

After a while co-workers would ask me why I always wear long sleeves, I responded with the truth. To my surprise, most were taken back and almost disgusted. I soon felt like an outcast who was constantly being looked at and judged. Even though I was a talented stylist the confidence I had was gone and the love I had for my career also disappeared. The beauty industry can be an extremely surfaced field where you must look the part no matter how skilled and talented you are. That is what made me change career paths and go back to school to become an Early Childhood educator. I want to help children realize and understand that each person has qualities, traits and talents that set them aside from all others.

I often see both children and adults who point and stare when they see someone who is different from themselves. Next time you see someone who is different then yourself- try something different, offer a helping hand, introduce yourself or simply just smile and say hello!

If you want to learn more about psoriasis please visit...

http://www.psoriasis.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1336