Finding light in unexpected places

There are moments in life when the light finds us, even in the darkest corners. Sometimes, it arrives in the shape of a wagging tail, a warm glance from a stranger, or a kind word just when it’s needed most. These moments remind us that hope is never too far away.

Bubu, my little ball of furry love, has a way of sensing the unspoken. On the days when the weight of my journey feels heavier, he curls up beside me, pressing his not-so-tiny body close as if to say, "I am here, Mom." He doesn’t need words; his eyes, his presence alone is a small miracle, an unspoken promise that I am not alone. His joyful spirit, his unshakable love, and even his mischievous antics remind me daily that life continues to offer reasons to smile, even in unexpected ways.

Beyond Bubu’s unwavering companionship, I’ve also been surrounded by angels—people who, knowingly or unknowingly, have lifted me up. Sometimes, it’s a message from an old friend appearing just when I need encouragement. Other times, it’s the kindness of a stranger—someone who held the door open when I was too weak to push it myself or the cashier who smiled and told me to “take my time” when I felt rushed and exhausted. These small gestures, seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme of things, are beacons of light that remind me of the goodness in this world.

And then, there are the quiet heroes—those who dedicate their days to caring for others. They may go unnoticed, yet their unwavering kindness leaves an undeniable impact. Among these angels are also the caretakers and medical staff under my care at the clinic. They are extraordinary—compassionate, resilient, and unwavering in their dedication. Their hands bring healing, their words offer solace, and their presence reassures us in our most vulnerable moments. Even though they have to deal with loss every other day, they always have a smile for us, offering comfort and reassurance in ways that words cannot fully capture. Their unwavering dedication reminds me of the strength and compassion that exists in the world, even amidst hardship.

Yesterday, something particularly heartwarming happened. A neighbor close to me, an elderly Armenian lady, has always been reserved—not particularly friendly, but not rude either. She has her ways. As I was walking Bubu, she suddenly looked at me and said, "You look very beautiful." Those words meant so much, especially coming from her. At a time when I may not have felt beautiful at all, her simple compliment touched my heart deeply. It was a reminder that kindness can appear in the most unexpected ways and from the most unexpected people.

Perhaps because of my history, I believe in facing life as it is without sugarcoating the truth. But that doesn’t mean I lack kindness or positivity. Staying positive is a conscious choice—one that I make every day. Acknowledging pain and challenges is necessary, but dwelling in hardship is a decision. We all face dark moments, but what defines us is how we choose to rise from them. Light is always present, even if it seems distant—it’s up to us to seek it, to embrace it, and to allow it to guide us forward.

How often do we overlook the small miracles woven into our everyday lives? The moments of kindness, the unexpected joys, the simple things that brighten our days—do we truly notice them? And when faced with challenges, do we choose to rise, or do we let ourselves sink into victimhood? It’s okay to acknowledge pain, but what truly matters is what we do next. How do we shift our perspective, take action, and seek out the light in the midst of darkness?

Because, in the end, angels don’t always have wings. More often than not, they come disguised as the people and pets who walk beside us, offering warmth, comfort, and unexpected kindness. And light does not always announce itself; it sneaks in through gestures, glances, and gentle words, reminding us that even in the darkest times, we are not alone. When we open our hearts to receiving this light, we also become bearers of it for others. No matter how difficult the journey may seem, there is always someone—or something—leading us toward hope and renewal.

So today, let’s pause to honor all those small miracles, all those angels—the wag of a tail, the smile of a stranger, the gentle presence of love in all its forms. May we all recognize and cherish the light that finds us in unexpected places.

Who are the angels in your life? May we all take a moment to recognize and appreciate the light they bring.

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See you in my next post!

With love,

Malena 🌿