Anything Can Be!
“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
― Shel SilversteinAll my life I have had a stirring deep inside of me of possibility. A feeling that something great was about to happen. An excitement that embraced each new day.
My dad, I’ve told you, thinks I’m his strongest child because of all that I have been through. I don’t know if I’m the strongest, but I am the biggest believer in the infinite possibilities in this wonderful world God created. I get very upset with those who pine for the day when they will go to heaven. I don’t mean to judge them, perhaps they are very, very ill. But not me. I never pine for that day. I have not wrung all the living I have to do out of this life yet. I haven’t accomplished all I need to carry out.
After my stomach surgery in January of 2010, I was delusional from the anesthesia. Mike was a wonderful comfort to me because his mom had the same experience a couple of times and he was sure that was all it was. So were the doctors, but Mike’s my husband and best friend he got through to me — for a little while anyway. The worst part about the delusion was I thought I was going to die. I wasn’t. But, I was convinced I was at death’s door. I couldn’t find any comfort, because my mind was delusional. It was like being lost in very dark woods. I kept praying and telling God that if he would spare me there was much more I had to do. I felt that urgency deep inside. That part of me way inside was the real me fighting to get through the dark forest. And then one day it lifted and I was fine.
Perhaps one of the reasons I do so well is not because I am strong, but because I feel God’s call on me to do so much more. I don’t know how many years I will be given, but I could use 40 or 50 or so!
So I guess I had better take care of myself. My grandfather had a funny line he used to say: “If I’d known I was going to live so long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” What a hoot. He was hilarious. I don’t want to be an out of shape old person though, truly that isn’t funny!
I have some big challenges ahead of me in the coming days and months, career-wise, opportunities. I hope you will keep me in your prayers. I want to take good care of myself and I want to soar like an eagle with the wind at my back to make all that can be happen.
I guess the quote says it all: “…listen close to me. Anything can happen child. Anything can be.”
My 96 Yr Old Uncle Rog, the Inventor, Just Made His First Patented Prototype
Libby Baker Sweiger 
Libby this is a wonderful post, very well written. I loved so much of Shel’s work, did you know he wrote quite a bit of stuff done by Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show ? seems I remember a girl Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout , would not take the garbage out. He also wrote A Boy Named Sue – Johnny Cash, Put Another Log On The Fire – Tompall Glasser, Unicorn – the Irish Rovers. and many more. so here I was with my favorite writer Libby, and my favorite humorist Shel, what a combo, I enjoyed the story and lesson so much. thank you libby
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Thank you for your comment Tom. I always learn something from you. I looked up Shel and discovered he also wrote children’s books, hence the quote I imagine. I am blessed to be your favorite writer and will keep working at it, hoping to get better…and find a publisher :). Take care, Tom.
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You can and do “Soar Like An Eagle”! Keeping you in my prayers to stay health and continue to soar!
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Thank you Denise for your Eagle Vote of confidence! And for keeping me in your prayers. I feel something building here. Something big and I am very excited! Blessings! <3!
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Another great story Libby. I’m with you on not being in a rush. I think that those in a rush, haven’t fully understood the message. Keep up the writing, and keep taking care of each other. Hopefully, I’ll get to meet Mike the next time I’m in MN.
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I hope you get to meet Mike too! That would be an awesome connection! Thanks for reading Dean and for your words of wisdom. Many blessings to you and much <3! 🙂
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Your posts are always so beautiful and toucing Libby:)! Just like you<3!!
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Daisy! I feel like I haven’t seen you in a long time. I must get back to NSS! I have been tooo busy! So great to hear your words of life and positivity and love! 🙂 <3!
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Libby you’re outlook on life and the positive that flows from you is something that’s palpable. It’s easy to see why you dad says that about you. I can only dream of the possibilities unlike you being able to see them. =)
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Dear Mimi! We must talk! I miss you. Thank you for a most wonderful comment…the kindness that flows from you is palpable! I see some big possibilities coming down the pike here, perhaps you will be part of them! 🙂 <3!
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Indeed, I do remember you in my prayers, Libby. Take good care of yourself, and trust in God to watch over you and care for you, all your days:
“But I trust in you, O Lord;
I say, ‘You are my God.’
My times are in your hand;”
– Psalm 31: 14-15
Best wishes to you for the possibilities and opportunities. May the work be fruitful and satisfying.
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Thanks Mark! God bless you! And Merry Christmas!!!
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