The Universe is Speaking to Me

So, why do I not believe in coincidences.  I could write a book on this topic.  Honestly, when something really bad happens to you, you can either wallow in sorrow or you can find a way to turn it around into a positive.  I learned that back in 2002 when I almost died and the path of my life was forever altered without my consent.  Ever since I have tried to reason it out in my head.  How has near-death changed me?  I seek inspiration in everything I do, whether it is deep and mindful like the friendships I keep, or basic and simple, like watching Oprah Winfrey when she features successful, spiritual people on her show.  I try to take a little piece of everything I experience and find a way to apply it to my life in a positive way.  Take, for instance, the ad campaign for the Virginian Pilot.  The ads are amazing.  They have a great song and an excellent message about being in charge of your life and finding your calling.  They started this summer when I was going thru a period that was nothing short of artistic angst. Those ads were some really driving inspiration for me.  At times they almost made me cry and then smile through tears as I tried so hard to make my life as the wife of a deployed naval officer work.  SO frustrating to hold the weight of the house and family on my shoulders and at the same time attempt to run a very challenging business.  So many times I didn't know where to turn and what to do next on the path that only I can create.  And, then one of those ads would play at just the right moment.  They always made me feel stronger - empowered.  They made me believe in myself.    

WELL, look in todays sports section and who will you see???  HALF PAGE?  In one of the 'It's In Your Hands' ads???  MY SON.  

Rewind to the day the photo was taken.  Ah, the day of the fly in.  Ian was away 18 of 24 months.  That is a staggering amount of time.  As a family we were pushed to the edge with such a separation.  I need not detail how it all effected me - that is all here in my blog.  See the entry about DEPRESSION, ANGST, MISERY.  But the fly in finally marked the end.  We were soooo excited.  It was just a couple of days before Christmas.  I wore a brand new silk dress.  Evan wore his mini flight suit and flight jacket.  We even dug out one of Ian's old covers to complete the look.  I brought my camera but was so giddy I could barely remember how to use it!  My shot of the low formation of jets that flew overhead is white because I forgot to change my exposure.  But it was okay.  There was plenty of press to get the shots, right?  And, naturally Evan was the media darling in his flight suit, flight jacket, brown boots, and cover.  Rich-Joseph Facon, a VERY TALENTED photographer for the Virginian Pilot spent most of the 45 minutes from the fly over to the taxiing in to the run-as-fast-as-you-can-and-tackle-your-hubby-moment attempting to get the perfect shot of my dear son, Evan.  Of course, Evan was sooooo on to him, being the son of a photographer, and was not fooled.  He hid under his sign and just giggled at how difficult he was being.  So happy to not be yelled at by mom for dodging the camera.  But Facun was not phased and enjoyed being goofy with Evan.  He was determined.  He must have taken 100 photos of Evan alone that day.  And, when he stepped back and waited, this photo presented itself.  It has made him famous.  It was the front page of the paper the next day.  It was selected as photo of the month, one of the top photos of 2007 for the Pilot. He won international award for it.  People all around the world have seen it.  My kid is a poster child for military kids.  And, now it is an ad campaign.  

How amazing for us to be a part of that!  And, Ian wasn't even mad that he got upstaged by his five year old!

But now that the two have come together?  My life and the 'It's In Your Hands' ad campaign??  How do I even process this.  I most certainly don't believe in coincidences now.  I have proof that the universe is one with me - sending a message just for me.  I really just need to hold tight.  It will allllllll make sense soon.  I believe I will find what I am looking for, after all.

 Someone pinch me.  My kid is in the Virginian Pilot ad campaign......  I cannot believe it!  It all just swirls and comes together...  I just cannot explain it other than to hold on and enjoy the ride.