When Trust Is Broken

Every living species has a beginning and an end, that's just the way it is. Some beginnings are quite spectacular with a lot of fanfare, hoop-la and drama. Others are quiet, coming into being in a less auspicious way, hardly making a ripple in an otherwise tumultuous sea of life. The value of a new life is not directly linked to its entrance into this world and special people can appear quietly or with a bang.Is it merely a twist of fate or a plan outlined by the Almighty that produces a human equipped with higher values and purpose? All of us recognize these individuals, admiring them and quietly wishing we were more like them. Dr. Mary Sliwa, a physician, most frequently referred to, as "Doc" was such a person.How does one decide the worth of another? Do we not consider kindness, integrity, truthfulness, compassion, empathy, and selflessness honorable virtues? Doc was all of these and more, certainly worthy of our deepest respect. What happened to this good woman can happen to anyone. In this story, you will be present on a journey that reveals how faith in God and trust in true friendship did accomplish the impossible. When injustice is staring us in the face, we must stand up and fight for what is right and just or we will surely fail others and ourselves.Apathy and silence -- denying the existence of a wrong -- will only send a message of approval and increase the likelihood of perpetuating the injustice to others. Bear witness to this story and if you are called upon to advocate for another, realize that with faith and perseverance, what seems impossible can really happen.