In 1998, my life changed in an instant. I was 23 years old when I was struck by a car as I crossed the street. The memory is vivid—me lying curled up on the asphalt, gripping my leg and feeling a pain unlike anything I had ever known.
A doctor appeared seemingly out of nowhere and rushed to help. My right leg bore the worst of the accident, and I later learned how close I came to losing it. Just a few years earlier, before medical advances, I may have faced amputation. That knowledge gave me perspective, but fear still took hold. In the hospital, I braced myself for the possibility of more surgeries—maybe a third, maybe a fourth.
One day, I shared my fears with a nurse. She took my hand, looked me in the eye, and prayed with me. At the time, it felt like a simple act of comfort. I didn’t realize then that this moment would become one of the most pivotal of my life.
The Slow Road to Healing
Recovery was slow and filled with challenges. I had lost my independence and moved in with my grandmother, who was terminally. My mother helped care for me as I relearned how to walk while witnessing my grandmother’s gradual decline. My body and heart ached.
Finally, one day, I stood under a shower for the first time since the accident. Warm water cascaded over me. It may seem silly, but the tears came—this time, not from pain but from overwhelming gratitude.
That moment in the shower taught me some of life’s greatest lessons:
- I had taken far too much for granted.
- Despite the hardships, countless blessings surrounded me—I just hadn’t been noticing them.
- I couldn’t change what had happened, but I could choose where to focus my energy and attention.
- Life is still hard, and I am still healing, but gratitude brings peace and hope, even in tough moments.
Learning to See the Gifts Around Me
Over time, these lessons deepened. Simple joys—like a warm bed, a cup of coffee, or a sunny window—held value and privilege. I am grateful to live in a place where I can worship freely and enjoy music that lifts my spirit. Yet I also understand how easy it is to take these gifts for granted. I want to remain mindful of them every day.
I’ve also come to recognize how many people in the world don’t have access to basic necessities like clean water, food, or safety. Sharing the blessings I’ve been given is an act of love and obedience. I live in a culture that often encourages wanting more, but I strive to embrace less and find joy in the simple.
Choosing gratitude—especially for life’s smallest moments—is a practice that fuels hope and joy. Even during hardships, moments of gratitude can light a path through the darkness. If a person living through the horrors of the Holocaust could find beauty in a sunset, how can I not take notice of God’s creation and mercy all around me?
A Prayer, A Life Changed
To the nurse who prayed with me: I don’t know your name, and I can’t recall your face, but I wish I did—just so I could say, “Thank you.” You stepped into my life at a moment of fear and vulnerability, and as quickly as you appeared, you were gone. Yet, in that brief moment, you saw me, and your compassion saved me in more ways than one. At the time, I felt only a faint whisper of God’s love in my heart. But since then, I’ve learned to recognize His presence everywhere—in nature, in others, and even within myself.
I am forever grateful for that moment.
My Hope for You
Today, as I write this, my prayer is that my story inspires you to pause and notice the gifts in your life. Even in the busyness of your daily routine or the struggles you may be facing, take a moment to breathe and reflect. Look for His beauty, His love, and His faithfulness in the small and ordinary moments.
May you be showered with faith and gratitude, and may you share those gifts with others. Together, we can help every heart know the boundless love of our everlasting Father.
Special Guest Contributor Michele Montenegro
Michele Montenegro, LCSW, CCATP, is the founder and owner of arKardia Counseling & Consulting, LLC, in Gettysburg, PA. She has been working as an independently licensed psychotherapist for more than 20 years and is highly regarded for clinically sound therapeutic work. Michele lives in Gettysburg with her husband and children. In addition to psychotherapy, Michele provides consultation and facilitates workshops. To learn more, visit arKardia.com.
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