On April 17th, 2012 everything seemed find as a typical day in my life was passing. On April 18th, 2012 everything changed within a few seconds on our way to Asuncion
We had been traveling for a little less than hour on what would have been a six hour trip to Asuncion, our capital city, when at 5 am, we hit a parked truck with no signs, lights or reflectors, sitting on the highway. I will not go into details here. But that moment changed my life around and the way I see things today.
I have replayed the images of that day over and over until I thought I will go crazy. My head was hurting constantly. I had wished over and over to never gotten into that vehicle that day and instead stayed home. But I cannot go back, even if I want to.
The weeks after April 18th turned into my valley of shadow and death. I struggled with my faith, with guilt, purpose and the meaning of life. If it wasn't for my loving family, my church and Gods love to me, I am not sure where I would be today.
The days, weeks turned into months and years struggle, living between the hope of a new day and the pain of my loss. Anahi and I survived the accident. I can only say, God still has work for me to do. There is something on this earth that requires my footprints and my participation. The same goes for Anahi which will be turning seven September 21st.
Anahi and I held onto each other. Anahi needed me and I needed her as much. I kept changing her diapers, attending to her needs and she smiled back and in her innocence brought sparks of joy into my life. The thought of having another joyful day in my life seemed an impossibility during those dark days.
My sister Nila became an incredible support to me, when she moved into our house to help me with Anahi. We cried together and day by day began to heal.
This week marks five years from that fateful day. I must say that a lot of healing has taken place. Its the first anniversary where the memories did not turn into sadness or too many tears. Instead I celebrate life and the day all of us will have the chance to step into eternity.
Part of this healing has come with Nancy in my life, a new family that I believe God has allowed me to embrace. As I am writing this I believe I am on a path of renewed purpose and direction for me and my loved ones.
We had been traveling for a little less than hour on what would have been a six hour trip to Asuncion, our capital city, when at 5 am, we hit a parked truck with no signs, lights or reflectors, sitting on the highway. I will not go into details here. But that moment changed my life around and the way I see things today.
I have replayed the images of that day over and over until I thought I will go crazy. My head was hurting constantly. I had wished over and over to never gotten into that vehicle that day and instead stayed home. But I cannot go back, even if I want to.
The weeks after April 18th turned into my valley of shadow and death. I struggled with my faith, with guilt, purpose and the meaning of life. If it wasn't for my loving family, my church and Gods love to me, I am not sure where I would be today.The days, weeks turned into months and years struggle, living between the hope of a new day and the pain of my loss. Anahi and I survived the accident. I can only say, God still has work for me to do. There is something on this earth that requires my footprints and my participation. The same goes for Anahi which will be turning seven September 21st.
Anahi and I held onto each other. Anahi needed me and I needed her as much. I kept changing her diapers, attending to her needs and she smiled back and in her innocence brought sparks of joy into my life. The thought of having another joyful day in my life seemed an impossibility during those dark days.
My sister Nila became an incredible support to me, when she moved into our house to help me with Anahi. We cried together and day by day began to heal.
Part of this healing has come with Nancy in my life, a new family that I believe God has allowed me to embrace. As I am writing this I believe I am on a path of renewed purpose and direction for me and my loved ones.
Love you, Norberto.
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