Working as an EMT has exposed me to profound and often traumatic moments—resuscitating a patient in front of their grieving family, clearing the airway of someone who had already slipped into rigor mortis, or administering CPR to elderly individuals during their final moments on Earth. These experiences, while difficult, have taught me to seek the good in every situation, a perspective rooted in the prayer my mother often recited: “God, we thank you for the lives of those who have passed.” For years, I didn’t fully understand this sentiment, but over time, I came to find meaning in it.
Last summer, I made a conscious effort to focus on gratitude, even amidst trials. Instead of dwelling on hardship, I sought to embrace joy intentionally, expressing it even when I “wasn’t feeling it.” This mindset grew through time spent in nature, where I felt an undeniable connection to God. The simplicity of walking among trees, observing the intricacies of creation, and meditating on life’s cycles brought me peace and perspective. I began to see nature as a reflection of myself—growing from pain, rooted in faith, and sustained by God’s grace.
This connection to nature inspired a piece of art I created: a head connected to an arm holding up a mushroom that grows from the hand. It reflects my journey of growth and gratitude. The mushroom symbolizes transformation and regeneration, thriving on decay yet bringing life. It reminds me of the lessons I’ve learned: that even in the face of trauma and death, there is room for healing, reflection, and gratitude.
One vivid experience stands out to me. On a call responding to a motor vehicle accident, the patient had been ejected from his vehicle. When I arrived, it was clear his body could no longer sustain life. His lips were blue, his eyes vacant, and his form was unrecognizable. As the physician pronounced him dead, I feared how this moment might affect me. But instead of succumbing to fear or grief, I prayed on the scene and found gratitude—for the privilege of comforting his family, for the courage of my team, and for the reminder that life, though fragile, is precious. This moment solidified my resolve to embrace every trial as an opportunity for growth.
Just as a mushroom thrives in challenging conditions, I have grown from the trials I’ve faced. The reflection I see in my art and in nature reminds me to remain rooted in faith and to continue expressing gratitude, even in the most difficult moments. Life’s challenges may seem insurmountable at times, but through God’s grace, I have learned to smile through the pain and grow stronger with each passing day
.Sketch brainstorm
Heart with cage around it (vein like)…fruits of the spirit symbolically are cross linked in the cage
Eating/stomping “fear”
Smiley skull (death)
Blank face with grim smile, holding mushroom smiling back in soil had
Tree of life; symbols of joy at top, rooted in fear
Face looking up at beams of light
