A Second Life C

(Picture: Cynthia Groopman (alone, with New York City in background) and Cynthia and other recipients of the honorary Liberty Award for New York City)

She is an inspiring woman; Cynthia Groopman.
Sudden blindess didn't kill her life, instead it gave her new life.
~wonderful is HIS work...


A Second Life C
February 28, 1988, will always be the beginning of my second life.

Sixteen years ago I received a prescription cough medication. Although pleasant tasting, it would change my life and my vision forever.

I awoke at midnight from a fitful sleep with a pounding headache and red eyes that felt like they were going to pop out of my head. Everything seemed hazy.

My dad and brother accompanied me to the local eye and ear hospital. In the taxi, tears began to stream down my face. What was happening to me? I thought.

I was 39 years old, active, vibrant and enjoyed life. I was an elementary school English teacher.

An intern and nurse awaited me in the emergency room. The intern looked into my eyes and measured the pressure, which was 55 in each eye. When I showed him the cough medicine bottle, he said that I was one in five who experiences an adverse reaction.

Immediately the doctor and nurse went to work to lower the pressure with injections, liquids, pills and drops. I was in the emergency room all night and into the wee hours of the morning. I had laser surgery, and the pressure was lowered.

The sight in both eyes, however, was gone.

I found myself in a dark and isolated world. I thought to myself: What purpose do I have now?

In the taxi going home, I listed in my mind some goals to reach by the year 2002. I was just imagining things and thought that this would allay my fears.

In the beginning it was like a bad dream. Going to the doctor. Using drops and Just sitting around and moping.

I felt I had to retire from my job. The medical board asked me stupid questions.

I then underwent intensive rehabilitation and was taught new skills, including cane travel.

I began taking adult education courses from the Hadley School for the Blind. Later, I would become Student of the Year.

In 1991, I became a social work, educational and recreational volunteer professional at the local seniors center where I began to utilize my skills as a teacher. I taught ESL, conducted groups and spoke to the homebound and counseled people. I was named Volunteer of the Year and blessed by the Monsignor.

I was adjusting to life because I had a purpose.

I was photographed for Time Magazine, using the Reading Edge machine and inspired others.

Time passed, and I realized that the goals I had verbally listed on that February night were becoming realities.

I began to write poetry and was one of the best poets for three years. I was awarded a Citation of Honor for volunteer service, the Hero of Winter Exceptional and Role Model Person. My fondest dream came true when, in August 2001, I had a Bat Mitzvah at age 53.

Today, I mentor children and talk to groups about blindness. My letters appear in our local papers, and I am interested and involved in social actions with senior citizens. The ability to use the computer was my last goal, and I had special technology lessons.

My life is full. I have insight, the ability to grow, lead a productive life and see the light of the Lord. My life is truly rich and blessed, and yes, now I know the true purpose of my life. God gave me an unconquerable soul.

By Cynthia Groopman, mailto:Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net


The Evening’s Coolness
By Cynthia Groopman

As the radiant sunshine glow begins to gradually fade,
Bathed am I, in the coolness of the evening shade

Embrace tenderly by a splendid caress of refreshing fresh air,
My weary soul is renewed with sudden flare
Softness and comfort adorns my heart,
As the stressful events of the day begins to depart

Oh, coolness of the evening you are so alluring to me,
Enfolding me into God’s warm loving arms
of love and tranquility.

Copyright © 2007 Cynthia Groopman.

Working Spirit

Teman saya, pemilik dua perusahaan besar, mengeluh dan mempertanyakan mengapa spirit di dua perusahaannya sangat berbeda.

Perusahaan pertama usianya 51 tahun, sementara yang kedua tidak lebih dari 10 tahun. Perusahaan yang lebih "dewasa" dan sudah berkembang baik, sulit dikatakan punya spirit yang segar.

Karyawannya pulang "teng-go" (tepat jam 5 sore) bersikap hati-hati dan cenderung "cari aman". Sementara, begitu memasuki perusahaan yang lebih "muda", terasa dinamika dan semangat, seolah suasana yang kita alami ketika bergadang di ruang senat mahasiswa, mengerjakan proyek organisasi. Yang jelas, memasuki dua lingkungan kerja yang berbeda ini, "mood" kita langsung beda, padahal lokasinya di gedung yang sama, hanya berbeda lantai.


Kita lihat bahwa spirit ada di udara, mudah terasa dan tercium. Bagi sebagian orang, spirit tidak sulit diciptakan. Terkadang hanya perlu "dipancing" dengan gorengan di sore hari atau kebersamaan saat lembur sampai pagi. Namun, di beberapa organisasi tertentu, terasa bahwa spirit ini sulit dikembalikan, walaupun sudah "diangkat" dan "ditarik-tarik" .


Organisasi yang penuh birokrasi, misalnya, sering membuahkan karyawan yang terlalu berhati-hati, "cari selamat", terlalu berhitung, takut berubah, hanya menunggu ide untuk berubah dari orang lain, dan enggan mengeluarkan ide baru. Tidak ada dinamika, kewaspadaan dan kenikmatan untuk berinisiatif lagi. Bila kita terjebak berada dalam organisasi seperti ini, namun secara pribadi memiliki spirit yang kuat, kita tentunya bertanya-tanya, apakah saya nanti tidak aneh sendiri? Bukankah spirit itu bersumber dari suasana kerja tim? Akankah kita bisa mempertahankan spirit yang segar dari waktu ke waktu? Bagaimana menyuntikkan spirit ke dalam diri sendiri, bahkan sampai memengaruhi organisasi?

Ingat Umur!

Bila kita sudah kehilangan spirit bekerja, ingatlah umur. Bayangkan profesional seperti Martha Tilaar, yang berusia 70 tahun, tetapi, semangatnya serasa 30 tahun. Beliau mengisi kehjdupan kariernya dengan `passion" dan urgensi. Berapa usia kita sekarang? Masih berapa tahunkah kita harus berproduksi? Bila sekarang saja semangat kita sudah kempis, bagaimana kita akan giat berkarya pada tahun-tahun mendatang?

Hati-hati dengan "Menerimà Apa Adanya"

Bayangkan sebuah rapat yang "garing", tidak bersemangat, di mana kebanyakan orang tidak mempunyai persiapan materi yang menantang, hanya menjawab bila ditanya atasan, tidak mempunyai ide dan pasrah menjalankan kehidupan perusahaan apa adanya Saat seseorang mengemukakan ide berbeda, semua pandangan menghujam padanya. Dan, si kreatif ini bisa-bisa kemudian meragukan idenya. Kita lihat bahwa sikap "menerima apa adanya bisa mematikan spirit sehingga perlu juga diwaspadai dan diperangi.

Pandanglah ke Depan

Bukan saja entrepreneur seperti Henry Ford (Ford Motor Comp), Bill Gates (Microsoft Corp.), Larry Page dan Sergey Brin (Google) yang mempunyai kemampuan untuk memandang ke depan, kita pun bisa! Kita selalu bisa melakukan "benchmark" ke perusahaan yang mempunyai aspek yang bisa ditiru. Kita pun selalu bisa mempunyai obsesi untuk meningkatkan produktivitas kita sebagai individu, kelompok atau bahkan perusahaan.

Bacaan-bacaan mengenai "best practice? profesi dan perusahaan serupa tidak terbatas jumlahnya. Dari sini kita bisa menumbuhkan mood untuk maju, mentransfer dan merealisasikan ide dan berobsesi untuk lebih sukses.

Bertanyalah, "Bagaimana Caranya?"

Bisnis dan situasi negara kita sëkarang membutuhkan produk baru, cara dan metode produksi, pasar baru, kecepatan, transfer kekuatan, dan informasi. Bagaimana mungkin kita tinggal diam dan menunggu?

Kita bisa mengaktifkan otak dan selalu mencari cara baru. Seberapa pun kecil peranan kita di perusahaan, bantulah untuk memikirkan "improvement" , karena hal ini pasti akan berguna bagi
perusahaan, tim dan diri Anda sendiri. Selain itu kekuatan spirit Anda akan terasa oleh atasan. Dengan demikian kita secara tidak langsung membuat harapan baru bagi diri sendiri setiap saat dan terbiasa menanggulangi ancaman.

Kembangkan mindset "Memulai"

Menjadi orang yang pertama maju ke depan memimpin diskusi, memberi
tanggapan atas email kolega, mengirimkan notulen rapat ke pelanggan yang baru dikunjungi, sama sekali tidak sulit! Dampaknya terhadap
diri sendiri-lah yang lebih besar. Kita akan mendapatkan apresiasi
orang lain, dipandang sebagai orang yang gesit. Bayangkan kalau kita
selalu menjadi orang yang pertama menyapa "halo" di setiap kontak
dengan orang lain. Kita pasti akan menebar semangat. Dan, untuk diri
sendiri, kita akan menumbuhkan semangat ekstra sebagai pemulai dan
penyerang tidak sekedar responsif.

Cintai Teknologi

Pemrosesan data, jaringan internet, telekomunikasi tidak pernah bisa
kita hindari. Teknologi juga berkembang demikian pesat sehingga sulit diikuti. Rasanya baru beberapa tahun saja kita menikmati teknologi GPRS, CDMA. Sekarang, kalau tidak ber-3G-ria, rasanya kuno. Baru saja, kita menikmati "i-pod", sekarang kita perlu bersiap siap memahami "i-phone'. Bila kita sedikit berusaha untuk menyukai dan memperdalam teknologi, kita secara tidak langsung terpaksa mengadaptasi derap inovasi dan perubahan dari perkembangan teknologi.


Menjaga agar tetap ber-spirit ibarat menjalankan dinamika kehidupan
seorang artis; seorang artis tidak pernah berhenti memerhatikan, berpikir, mengembangkan ide, bereksperimen, mencari ide baru, antusias, bekerja tak kenal waktu dan berupaya menciptakan sesuatu yang unik dan baru. Jadilah orang yang senantiasa hidup dengan spirit. Hidup akan terasa lebih artistik. ***

Sumber: Spirit oleh Eileen Rachman, EXPERD

This is For Me, My Mother & Father...

Laws of Parenting
1. The later you stay up, the earlier your child will wake up the next morning.
2. For a child to become clean, something else must become dirty.
3. Toys multiply to fill any space available.
4. The longer it takes you to make a meal, the less your child will like it.
5. Yours is always the only child who doesn't behave.
6. If the shoe fits... it's expensive.
7. The surest way to get something done is to tell a child not to do it... :-))
For example: Filina, don't spoil it... Soon, you'll have to take a wipe.

For My Papi
At the age of sixty-four, Dad retired. I wanted to buy him something to thank him for all his hard work and sacrifice. As I shopped, I realized there was nothing I could buy that could thank him enough. He had taught me through his own hard work and faith in God that the greatest gifts come from the heart and not the store. That night, I sat down and wrote a list of "Thank You's" to my father for all he had done for me. I left it on the kitchen table for Dad to read before this final day at work.

THANK YOU DAD

For waking up every morning when it was still dark outside and going to work, while we slept in our warm beds.
For teaching me how to pray.
For loving my mother with all your heart.
For teaching me I can never say "please" and "thank you" too often.
For giving me life even after you lost a son.
For being a wonderful grandfather.
For telling me it's okay to cry.
For being my hero, for being my friend.
For translating my first novel, Robinson Crusoe.
For always asking my math homework.
For not asking me why I haven't got married at the age of 27.
For encouraging me to be myself. (This is the greatest gift from you).
I feel easy and comfortable to be what I am now, it is because of you.

What I think of my Mother . . .

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either!
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it.
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.
Submitted by Kiri Hyatt

Is He an Inspiring Businessman? Warren Buffet.

His Famous Quote :

“Rule No.1: Never lose money. Rule No.2: Never forget rule No.1.”

Quotable Quote:

“Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing.”
“Wide diversification is only required when investors do not understand what they are doing.”
“I always knew I was going to be rich. I don't think I ever doubted it for a minute.”


[There was a one hour interview on CNBC with Warren Buffet, the second
richest man who has donated $31 billion to charity. Here are some very
interesting aspects of his life:

1. He bought his first share at age 11 and he now regrets that he started too late!
2. He bought a small farm at age 14 with savings from delivering newspapers.
3. He still lives in the same small 3-bedroom house in mid-town Omaha ,
that he bought after he got married 50 years ago. He says that he has
everything he needs in that house. His house does not have a wall or a fence.
4. He drives his own car everywhere and does not have a driver or security
people around him.
5. He never travels by private jet, although he owns the world's largest
private jet company.
6. His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns 63 companies.
He writes only one letter each year to the CEOs of these companies,
giving them goals
for the year. He never holds meetings or calls them on a regular basis.
He has given his CEO's only two rules. Rule number 1: do not lose any
of your share holder's money. Rule number 2: Do not forget rule number 1.

7. He does not socialize with the high society crowd. His past time
after he gets home is to make himself some pop corn and watch Television.

8. Bill Gates, the world's richest man met him for the first time only
5 years ago. Bill Gates did not think he had anything in common with
Warren Buffet. So he had scheduled his meeting only for half hour. But
when Gates met him, the meeting lasted for ten hours and Bill Gates
became a devotee of Warren Buffet.
9. Warren Buffet does not carry a cell phone, nor has a computer on his desk.

His advice to young people: "Stay away from credit cards and invest in yourself and Remember:
A. Money doesn't create man but it is the man who created money.
B. Live your life as simple as you are.
C. Don't do what others say, just listen them, but do what you feel good.
D. Don't go on brand name; just wear those things in which u feel comfortable.
E. Don't waste your money on unnecessary things; just spend on them who really in need rather.
F. After all it's your life then why give chance to others to rule our life."

TIME GETS BETTER WITH AGE

Read it through to the end, it gets better as you go!
Source: http://home.att.net/~soloshideaway/697/age.htm

I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we
sings "Silent Night".
Age 5

I've learned that our dog doesn't want to eat my broccoli
either.
Age 7

I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they
stop what they are doing and wave back.
Age 9


I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it,
Mom makes me clean it up again.
Age 12


I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should
try cheering someone else up.
Age 14


I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly
glad my parents are strict with me.
Age 15

I've learned that silent company is often more healing than
words of advice.
Age 24

I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's
great pleasures.
Age 26

I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers
have followed me there.
Age 29

I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me,
I must live so that no one will believe it.
Age 30


I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but
just don't know how to show it.
Age 42


I've learned that you can make some one's day by simply
sending them a little note.
Age 44


I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the
greater his or her need to cast blame on others.
Age 46


I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.
Age 47


I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems
today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
Age 48

I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits
for hours.
Age 49

I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away
from the phone.
Age 50


I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he
handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and
tangled Christmas tree lights.
Age 51


I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a
medicine cabinet full of pills.
Age 52


I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your
parents, you miss them terribly after they die.
Age 53


I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as
making a life.
Age 58


I've learned that if you want to do something positive for
your children, work to improve your marriage.
Age 61

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
Age 62

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers
mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
Age 64


I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you.
But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your
work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can,
happiness will find you.
Age 65


I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness,
I usually make the right decision.
Age 66


I've learned that everyone can use a prayer.
Age 72


I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be
one.
Age 82

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch
someone. People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm
hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
Age 90

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
Age 92

I've learned that you should pass this one on to someone you
care about. Sometimes they just need a little something to
make them smile.

Saat Kita Angkat Tangan, DIA akan Turun Tangan

It's a nice story that reminds me to surrender all to Thee.
For some, perhaps this story is a little bit absurd, but for me it has clear idea.
I can understand how I attempt to catch the wind. I struggled in a vain.
Then nice words came to me:
"saat tangan kita terangkat (tanda penyerahan),
Tuhan pun akan turun tangan".
Dia tidak suka turut campur unless we invite Him to.

----------------------
A story is told of a man taking a trip on an old wooden sailing ship. He was out on the deck one day and saw one of the crew-members climbing the ropes, going up to the crow's nest. When he was about half way up, the ship pitched to one side and he was thrown overboard.

When he hit the water, he began to scream for help, and flail his arms wildly, as he struggled to survive. The traveler watched as a sailor walked over to the rail of the ship, and calmly observed the man in the water. After a short while the man in the water tired, and began to sink. Immediately the sailor standing by the rail jumped overboard, and rescued the drowning victim.

After both men were safely on board, the traveler went over to the rescuer and asked, "why did you wait so long to jump in the water and rescue this man?"

He calmly replied, "I have found that as long as a man is struggling in the water, there is a greater chance that he will get us both drowned if I jump in too quickly, and try to save him." I have learned that it is better to let them struggle awhile, and when they come to the end of their own strength, I can then jump in and rescue them.

My friend, are you like the drowning man in the story? Have you fallen from your place of comfort and safety, and you are now struggling just to survive? Have you cried out to God to come and rescue you immediately? It is possible that the Lord is waiting until you have come to the end of yourself, and stop struggling in a vain attempt to save yourself, through any means. When you finally admit you can't save yourself, God will jump into the water and save you!

By David Langerfeld

only you can make yourself happy or unhappy

The softer your heart the easier you can handle your sorrow.
human being is not free from sorrow, from troubles.
yet, human being is constructed with special function to detect
what make him/her happy or sad.
Make a best detector and response.

Seorang guru sufi mendatangi seorang muridnya ketika wajahnya
belakangan ini selalu tampak murung.

"Kenapa kau selalu murung, nak? Bukankah banyak hal yang indah di
dunia ini? Ke mana perginya wajah bersyukurmu? " sang Guru bertanya.

"Guru, belakangan ini hidup saya penuh masalah. Sulit bagi saya untuk
tersenyum. Masalah datang seperti tak ada habis-habisnya, " jawab sang
murid muda.

Sang Guru terkekeh. "Nak, ambil segelas air dan dua genggam garam.
Bawalah kemari. Biar kuperbaiki suasana hatimu itu."
Si murid pun beranjak pelan tanpa semangat. Ia laksanakan permintaan
gurunya itu, lalu kembali lagi membawa gelas dan garam sebagaimana
yang diminta.

"Coba ambil segenggam garam, dan masukkan ke segelas air itu," kata
Sang Guru. "Setelah itu coba kau minum airnya sedikit."
Si murid pun melakukannya. Wajahnya kini meringis karena meminum air
asin.

"Bagaimana rasanya?" tanya Sang Guru.

"Asin, dan perutku jadi mual," jawab si murid dengan wajah yang masih
meringis.

Sang Guru terkekeh-kekeh melihat wajah muridnya yang meringis
keasinan.

"Sekarang kau ikut aku." Sang Guru membawa muridnya ke danau di dekat
tempat mereka. "Ambil garam yang tersisa, dan tebarkan ke danau."
Si murid menebarkan segenggam garam yang tersisa ke danau, tanpa
bicara. Rasa asin di mulutnya belum hilang. Ia ingin meludahkan rasa
asin dari mulutnya, tapi tak dilakukannya. Rasanya tak sopan meludah
di hadapan mursyid, begitu pikirnya.

"Sekarang, coba kau minum air danau itu," kata Sang Guru sambil
mencari batu yang cukup datar untuk didudukinya, tepat di pinggir
danau.

Si murid menangkupkan kedua tangannya, mengambil air danau, dan
membawanya ke mulutnya lalu meneguknya. Ketika air danau yang dingin
dan segar mengalir di tenggorokannya, Sang Guru bertanya
kepadanya, "Bagaimana rasanya?"

"Segar, segar sekali," kata si murid sambil mengelap bibirnya dengan
punggung tangannya. Tentu saja, danau ini berasal dari aliran sumber
air di atas sana . Dan airnya mengalir menjadi sungai kecil di bawah.
Dan sudah pasti, air danau ini juga menghilangkan rasa asin yang
tersisa di mulutnya.

"Terasakah rasa garam yang kau tebarkan tadi?"

"Tidak sama sekali," kata si murid sambil mengambil air dan
meminumnya lagi. Sang Guru hanya tersenyum memperhatikannya,
membiarkan muridnya itu meminum air danau sampai puas.

"Nak," kata Sang Guru setelah muridnya selesai minum. "Segala masalah
dalam hidup itu seperti segenggam garam. Tidak kurang, tidak lebih.
Hanya segenggam garam. Banyaknya masalah dan penderitaan yang harus
kau alami sepanjang kehidupanmu itu sudah dikadar oleh Allah, sesuai
untuk dirimu. Jumlahnya tetap, segitu-segitu saja, tidak berkurang
dan tidak bertambah. Setiap manusia yang lahir ke dunia ini pun
demikian. Tidak ada satu pun manusia, walaupun dia seorang Nabi, yang
bebas dari penderitaan dan masalah."

Si murid terdiam, mendengarkan.

"Tapi Nak, rasa `asin' dari penderitaan yang dialami itu sangat
tergantung dari besarnya 'qalbu'(hati) yang menampungnya. Jadi Nak,
supaya tidak merasa menderita, berhentilah jadi gelas. Jadikan qalbu
dalam dadamu itu jadi sebesar danau."