Carmela Snelbaker

As a person who loves the water the words “staying afloat” trigger relaxing feelings, the gentle movement of the water as well as a freedom from harsh controls.

I suppose like everything it is all about perspective.

To some staying afloat might not trigger relaxing feelings, but possibly one of survival and attempting to stay above instead of going under.

In complete contrast, I suppose it makes sense when I reflect upon the times in my life that have caused recurring dreams.

If floating in water makes me feel freedom…….. then plunging into water trapped inside a car that is filling up with water…….. must be my brain finding a way for my body to survive during times when traumatic events have taken control over my life.

I remember talking with a wife of a man who I cared for about recurring dreams. She explained of a time when her husband, who was living with a disability and working full time, had a relapse of his condition, that caused his health to decline to the point that he lost the ability to continue working.

She kept having dreams that she was traveling down the road in a car, she was the one who was driving the car but in the dream she needed to keep the car on the road while being seated in the backseat of the car.

IS THIS SIMPLY OUR SUBCONSCIOUS MINDS SEARCHING FOR WAYS TO REGAIN CONTROL? OR POSSIBLY A HIGHER POWER REACHING OUT TO CATCH US, WAKE US AND REDIRECT US FROM OUR FEAR AND WEAKEN STATE OF FAITH?

I am not sure why my mind is always attempting to find, answers for, or lessons from, challenging events in life. I suppose it might be better explained as Seeking or a Continuous Search For Hope.

WITHOUT FINDING SOME SORT OF LOGIC REASON OR UNDERSTANDING IN WHAT APPEARS TO BE MEANINGLESS EVENTS OR ENCOUNTERS, WHAT REASON DO WE HAVE TO CONTINUE ON?

Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers. – Voltaire

Thankfully among the serious parts of life, God sends us “blessing messengers” to deliver smiles and good memories to keep us going. This is how our latest blessing unfolded…….

I love music and particularly music with a positive message. About a month ago my copilot for the day and I were listening to one of my favorite songs Build A Boat by Colton Dixon

This song led to a conversation about boats………… The conversation then led to a question ………”Have you ever seen a boat you can drive a car onto?” ………… Which then led to a trip to see the boat that takes cars across the river.

When we first arrived to see the boat it was in dry dock having repairs before it was time for it to set sail.

The interest and anticipation for taking a ride on the boat kept us returning to keep track of its progress.

We watched the repairs, it’s entry into the water, had conversations with local boaters as we walked along the river.

We even began to get recognized as the freaquent riverfront visitors who wanted to take “A Red Car on a Boat ride”.

We checked in on its progress weekly and enjoyed the many riverside swings that are overlooking the river, skipping rocks in the river, taking walks along riverfront park, as well as walks at the Local Ned Smith Nature and Art Center. And enjoyed a snack and drink at the Peace of Mind Cafe.

The day finally arrived that we were able to Open the Door toward the river to call the Ferry Boat to come pick us up.

Once the existing passengers left the ferry we were directed on by the Captain and crewman and our departure for the opposite side of the river began. My copilot’s excitement was contagious and the smiles were plentiful! What a fun and memorable experience, and beautiful reminder that God supports us through the difficult times by leading us to those who have the ability to keep us smiling and keep us afloat while we regain control through life’s storms.

With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela