NieNie....A New Normal

I have never met Stephanie Nielson so it is a little odd to write about her but I am a big admirer! Stephanie writes the "NieNie" Dialogues" and survived a horrific plane crash one year ago. The lower photo is the first
picture Stephanie posted of herself since that accident.

As you can see, Stephanie is a beautiful woman who endured a horrendous year with amazing grace and dignity. When their small plane crashed in Arizona, Stephanie and her husband were critically injured, and their friend was killed. Stephanie's burns covered her entire body. Her husband's injuries were less serious so his hospital stay and rehabilitation were much shorter. The Nielson's 4 young children were cared for by extended family.

If you read Stephanie's blog (both before & after the crash) you realize that Stephanie has an Incredible Testimony about our purpose here on earth and What is Important in Life. She has a love for life; she loves her children, loves her husband, and has fit a whole lot of living into her years (I don't think she is even 30 years old).

The tragic accident that left her physical body disfigured would be an emotional devastation for anyone. But I have been so impressed with her candor about how difficult it has been but also very touched by her determination to make the best of a heart wrenching situation.

Stephanie is grateful to be alive. At the same time, there is the harsh reality of a changed body physically. A New Normal. And yet, my reaction to seeing Stephanie's picture was probably similar to anyone who has come to admire this family during their harrowing journey. I was struck by how beautiful she looked; albeit, a different, more of an ethereal beauty! But beauty nonetheless.

The day Stephanie posted the new picture of herself she included the most poignant quote by Washington Irving (it is almost eerie/uncanny how fitting it is):

"There is in every true woman's heart a spark of heavenly fire,

which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity;

but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity."

Stephanie's sister, Courtney, is a gifted writer who also blogs (cjanerun.blogspot.com) and reading both of their touching posts are incredibly INSPIRING! These are two young women who really have a lot of Age Old Wisdom! Sometimes I whine and complain about trivial things and then I discover someone like Stephanie who has lived through a nightmare and Finds the Silver Linings! Amazing, Special People!