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The Healing Power of Beads |
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Written by Dara Spiotto
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Monday, 18 June 2007 |
 A tragic event rocked my world recently. It didn't even happen to me directly, in fact, it happened to someone I don't even know. But she and I have a sort of sisterhood through the bead world. That's not uncommon, you know. Just like when I became a Mom for the first time, suddenly I was connected directly by heartstrings to all Mom's out there, and when one crossed my path we would smile all-knowingly at each other while our kids stared and leaned in toward each other as babies do. Children are magnetic toward one another, and I learned most Mom's are, too. Anyway, beaders tend to flock together. you know, birds of a feather and all that. So when I learned that a fellow beader was down for the count, I stepped up to the plate.
This wasn't a normal circumstance. It was truly a tragedy that could have been much worse than how it ended up. I would like to protect her anonymity (which is necessary because the law is involved)  so I'll call her Tina. Tina was attacked by a "loved one" who meant to viciously take her life with a number of bullets at point blank range, and she managed to save herself, barely. And with some re-constructive surgery and a lot of time to heal, she'll potentially be the thriving woman she once was.
When I learned of her circumstance I couldn't get it out of my mind. In fact, I couldn't get a grip at all and in the middle of one of my crying fits called a mutual friend of ours to find out more information about her and how she was doing. I swear, once I had my child I became hyper-sensitive to other people's plights, hurts, and failures. Anyway, our mutual friend, Irene, is the one who originally told me about what happened. So that same night I couldn't sleep. I felt helpless and thought that somehow there was a way to help her in her re-habilitation to get better as quickly as she could. And then I realized that the only thing I was sure of that we had in common, other than our friendship with Irene, is our love of beads. Beads are so therapeutic.
 So doing what any other kind hearted beader would do, I reached out to the beading community for help. I decided I wanted to put together a basket of beads for Tina that would make her heart sing. So I called a few beady friends and family and asked them to help spread the word. and if people wanted they could send some beads to me with an inspirational card for Tina. And I gave a dead line of two weeks time. Over the two weeks that followed those first phone calls, a few beads trickled in, and then they came in droves! All types, sizes shapes and colors. Seed beads, vintage beads, even boxes full of lampwork. There were books, and wire and finished bead work, all with cards and letters to give Tina messages of hope and cheer. What amazing people you beaders are! So I'm loading up the basket, and it's so gorgeous. Then other things came. Puzzles, journals, candles, bath salts and lotions, more books, prints, note cards, stuffed animals and more. Too much stuff for the beading basket, so we made her a pamper basket, too! The generosity is overwhelming to me. Each day that passed was so fun, because the UPS truck or US mail truck would leave boxes at my door, in all sizes and shapes. It was Christmas! And each day brought me closer to being able to bring all these goodies to Irene so she could deliver them to Tina.
 I spoke to Irene on the phone about how overwhelmed Tina would be with all these goodies, and she said the best thing about it was that it was such a beautiful distraction away from her long, painful journey to get better. She invited me to go along with her to deliver the baskets, and I was just elated at the opportunity to meet Tina and spread some joy to her.
On the ride there I was a little nervous. I didn't know what kind of medical condition she was in, and it was so emotional for me. I didn't want to cry in front of her. Well, my first impression of her was one of energy and great spirit! She was warm and gracious and sweet. She welcomed us in and we sat with her Mom and sister and visited. She isn't able to speak now, so she was writing as fast as she could on paper to keep up the communication. Irene and I had brought in our individual gifts to her, and when she saw them she got all misty and weepy. Then we had to tell her that the back seat of the car was brimming with goodies for her. We recruited her sister to help bring in the haul, and once again Tina was overwhelmed. And what a haul...she was so giddy with excitement! It was really fun going through it all with her. She would roll on to the floor, overcome with delight! Beads are so wonderful. If she had had her voice I knew she'd be gasping and squealing and laughing. Tina is  the kind of person that you only met 15 minutes ago, and yet you feel like you've known her your whole life, and that you have great sisterhood with her. She's more alive than many people I know, which is remarkable since technically she shouldn't have lived through her plight. But that's history. No looking back.
The horizon is bright and beautiful and full of opportunity for Tina. And all the amazing beads, cabs and supplies has made it even more so. You guys are the best! I'd like to do a thank-you shout-out to my blessed bead buddies who helped me put this enormous basket of goodness together: Big heartfelt thanks to Irene, Jan, Heather, Debbie, Carisa, Sue, Lynda, Kandra, Pat, CarolAnne, Katherine, Kathleen, Dolores, Carol, Theresa, Melanie, Wendy and Scott and then any other person that I'm failing to mention that contributed to this.
I believe that good things come from bad things, and if the bad things didn't occur, then the good things never would have had the opportunity to happen. She's still here, and that's a miracle. I have a new bead buddy, and I'm really grateful. |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 07 July 2007 )
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