Mercedes Ibarra Flamenco Los Angeles
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Feeling Thankful

11/22/2016

2 Comments

 
PictureMy husband, Tarik, and me at the Lupus Foundation of America's Lupus Walk 2016.
I'm going to be honest. 2016 has been a tough year. My husband's business slowed down significantly and I've had to continue learning to balance my own work with my need for self-care. Over this year, I have had to learn to accept that I cannot do as much as I used to. I have even had to accept an additional diagnosis. I know now that I have Fibromyalgia on top of the Lupus.

Yet, I am grateful. I can still do a lot. I'm still dancing. I'm even back to teaching regularly. This school year, I am teaching Flamenco to 7th-12th graders at a performing arts high school. I love being able to share this art form that I love so much and I love the kids. They are so funny and they are sponges too. I can't believe how much they learn in such a short amount of time.

Earlier in the year, I was ordained as an Interfaith Minister and I got to perform my friend's wedding in September. Along with my sister-in-law and some supportive friends and family, I also helped raise thousands of dollars for Lupus organizations. 

Even among the difficulties, a lot of great stuff has happened and I believe that very little of this would have been possible if it were not for my access to healthcare--my regular visits to the Rheumatologist, my lab tests, my medicines.

I am supremely grateful for my healthcare. I pray to continue to have access and I pray that everyone has that same access.

For many, including myself, 2017 brings a lot of uncertainty. There is one thing I know for sure, though. I am surrounded by love. The love of my very supportive husband, family, and friends. The love I feel for all of them. The love I show myself when I take things one moment at a time. The love I know I have for all beings, even if sometimes it is hard to express it. I know that there is an infinite amount of love that is always available, no matter what hardships may come.

For that, I am most grateful.



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What are you most grateful for this Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments below.







2 Comments
Liz Martinez
11/22/2016 12:03:56 pm

I'm truly thankful and grateful for Gods faithfulness , for Gods promises and for HIS word that never comes back void. HE carried my husband, me and my family through through 2 different fights with cancer. Our Lord and savior came and rescued my husband this year on Palm Sunday and it also was the first day of Spring! My hubby didn't suffer like most cancer patients ,God spared him, if you seen him , he didn't look very ill. My husband was a champ! He got his strength, and peace from God and so did we. It was Spring, a new season for all of us. My husband grew tired and my Savior extended HIS hand and we as a family placed my husband hand in the hands of our Lord and Savior. We miss him terribly but on the same breath and before any tear falls we know. That we are blessed knowing that God was in control. God bless you and your family. Liz

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Mercedes
11/23/2016 12:21:34 pm

Hi Liz! Thanks so much for sharing. Your words and sentiments are truly beautiful. I could always tell you and your husband loved each other very much. I know his memory will be lovingly honored this Thanksgiving by you and your family. May God bless you and your family this holiday season as well. Lots of love to everyone.

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    Mercedes

    In love with Flamenco for over 27 years.

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