Following the 2009 Black Saturday fires here in Kinglake my hometown, in Victoria Australia,  I was talking with a beautiful and wise woman recently who was telling me her story of losing her grandson in the fires and how he didn’t even live in the area but was visiting for a birthday.

He was just eighteen. It was a very sad story.

As I listened I sensed her strength, her acceptance of this turn that life had brought her and her determination to keep living life to its fullest despite her grief. She had no sense of being the victim, no sense of why me? When I asked her about this she said a lot of people ask her that question, how is it that she can cope with such tragic circumstances with no hint of being the victim?

All she said was “Why not me?”

That made a profound impact on me that day. Indeed why not me? Why wouldn’t hard things happen to me?

When I look back over my life, it has been living through the hard things that have really defined who I am.

Without the bad, would I appreciate the good?

Without the sad would I know the happiness?

Without loss would I truly value the people and things I have?

Without the thought of not having enough time, would I truly value each moment?

Definitely something to think about. I bless that beautiful lady, she has added a new dimension to Why Not Me?

This is an excerpt from Merelyn's Autobiography - ‘The Deepest Part of Me’. To find out more about the book visitwww.carterandcarter.com.au

Merelyn’s writing is supported in part by the sale of her books. Autobiography - ‘The Deepest Part of Me’.  ‘Inspire’ – inspirational reflections for your life’s journey.  ‘Stories behind the Songs’ and her first children’s picture book ‘To The Moon and Back - Grandma’s Rocket Ship Adventure’. To find out more about her work and to support her through the purchase of her writings and music, please go to www.carterandcarter.com.au