Charmed Life

Gretheline Genciana Ramos-Bolandrina

Hearts

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart."

It is said that in an average lifetime, the heart beats 2 1/2 billion times. It works tirelessly, from a faint heartbeat during its second month of growth until the moment it stops. More than just cardiac muscles pumping about 5 liters of blood each minute, sustaining life. My husband Joe was a blue baby, "something about my heart" he tries to explain, the way his Mom did . . . fortunately, both our preemie daughters, Jessica ('91) and Lilly ('01) have healthy hearts. In my 17 years of being a nurse, I have had my share of patients with heart trouble, be it due to age, lifestyle or what have you. To me, the mystery of the heart lies not in its physiological capacity; technological advances can decipher that. My fascination and curiosity is upwards of the emotional and dare I say, spiritual. What exactly happens when your child's antics pull on your heartstrings? A line in a song goes, "How can you mend a broken heart?". Can two hearts really beat as one? Ever done things with a heavy heart? We're truly blessed, if we can count friends with hearts of gold.

Every person travels through life with their own journeys of the heart. A sad childhood memory, a favorite place, true love's first kiss, friends across the miles, wedding vows, first paycheck, kids calling out your name, time spent alone, a starry night, airport good-byes, heartaches. As expected, each person's experience will be uniquely theirs. It would seem that little nuances will make theirs unlike any other. However, we do have common things felt most intensely by the heart. Things that can often be understood even without words. Loving parents, a pleasant surprise, beautiful children, family togetherness, loyal friends, a faithful pet, our life partners making our hearts sing, even tears of joy. Or things that need to be spelled out completely. H-E-A-R-T, you've only got one, take good care of it. As for others, be careful, try not to break theirs.

I pray that my fascination and curiosity may eventually lead to understanding and respect. I have yet to figure out people with hearts of stone, how heavy life must be for them. In parting, I leave you with a wish. May God, whatever you perceive him to be, grant you all that which your heart desires, may you find your very own life partner, a home, contentment. Happiness without being the source of someone else's sorrow. There is nothing greater and better than life partners keeping a home in oneness. And lastly, a strong healthy heart, lub, dub... lub, dub... lub, dub.

Feel free to e-mail me reactions, comments and or suggestions for ideas to ponder. Contact me at Gretheline@aol.com or through Carousel Productions.