I have had many clouds in my life. More than most know. But so does everybody. I am very aware that everyone has a story. Everyone has been through something. Everyone has had clouds. When I was a teenager I was very sick, had a huge mental breakdown, a lieu of changes, didn't know how to function in life. At the beginning of opening my school I found myself sick again and going through the same hoops and loops. Some may have heard of the "sorrow" bowl that will is infamous for it's time in my life. And of course the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad 2014. I've been through more death, betrayal, debt, illness, tragedy, and change than I ever wanted to know about.
I've had many clouds in my life, as maybe you have too. But with each cloud I experienced, I had my own personal angel as well. Not an actual angel, although I probably had those too, but people who were the beacon of light for me when I had none of my own in those clouds. Yes, I've had many clouds, but I've had many rainbows too.
In my worst moments, I've had people be my rainbow. When I was sick, it was Mrs. Cindy Verost who shared music and it became an outlet for me. Something I could do, and function, and look forward to when I couldn't do anything else. When I was fired it was Doreen Vignali, who dragged me out of bed and forced me to eat and move on. When the Sorrow Bowl hit it was Aunt Karen and Jessie who stayed with me until it was over. A few years ago it was the DeJesus's and my friend Cara who were a big support to me keeping me moving when I was in a huge cloud.
2014 was the worst year of my life I think. In June of that year I had cleaned house big time, as far as people and places. And a few weeks later I was supposed to go to nationals. I didn't want to go, but I didn't want to let one of my students down who was going. I went and decided to officiate, and I met the grandest crew of rainbows I could have asked for, particularly Bobby and Stacey Stone. All of those guys cannot fathom the amazing timing of their presence in my life.
I use the candle metaphor all the time. It's the name of this very blog. I believe life is all about being the candle. A candle can light other candles, and the light that fuels us to participate in life in such a way that produces miracles is always lit. Anyone who is active in my life knows it is always an adventure. Some even closer find it like being in a Mary Poppins book. All I have to say is "I have an idea," and you know what happens next. When I go somewhere, I bring anyone who has been kind to me with me. I wrote about the gift of kindness a while back, click on the link its a good read.
People don't remember always what you say to them or do for them, but they remember how you made them feel. To be kind to others in desperate times of need, from the most genuine part of your heart is so valuable. It doesn't matter who you are. Whether you're black, white, gay, straight, Asian, Spanish, whoever you are, if you're kind to me I am kind to you and you are welcome in the magical adventures of my world.
I learned a great deal on the lesson of support (click on link, it's been a recent favorite). These days I don't ever feel as if I don't have help or am alone. I've had rainbows in my clouds. You should prepare yourself so YOU can be a rainbow in someone else's cloud as well. We are all beacons of light for one another. One candle lighting the other, eternal radiance, never blowing out. The true measure of tolerance is knowing we are all living in the world together, and need to live. Whether it be someone who may not call God the same name as you call God,if they call God at all! But you can still be a blessing to somebody.
I am blessed today. I have been blessed in those moments when all I could see were clouds. Whether it be Mrs. Verost, Doreen Vignali, Aunt Karen and Jessie, Bobby and Stacey, Sam and Annabelle, Cara, or my students of today, I have been blessed to have rainbows in my clouds. At the end of the day, always be kind to one another, and be a blessing to somebody today. Smile, share, laugh, and offer your light to others. Most of the times you'll never know the difference you make, but you do and you will. Be a rainbow in somebody else's cloud! (BOWS)
Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO
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