My dad was admitted into the hospital again today. He ended up in the same room with the same symptoms he had last November. He’s had some health problems in the past but has always come out strong. I pray this time is no different.

My mom isn’t usually the superstitious type. At least, she doesn’t share those thoughts with me. She has always had a hard shell. However, today she mentioned that one of my dad’s pet pigeons passed away, one of the pure white ones. I was saddened by the news. My mother saw it in a different light though, that it was a sign that the bird’s life was “traded” for my father’s. She said it in Tagalog but that’s the gist of it.

In transition stages, there is a tendency for things to balance out. Everything has its place. In life and death, but even in other points in our lives. I noticed this when I left my old job last Friday. I saw it as me moving on and someone filling in the spot I left behind. I was anxious to leave because of loose ends and not feeling the person was ready. However, now I know I’m going to have to move on in order for someone to grow– and in their own way.

One can grow from any type of transition process, from college graduation to the real world, or going from a long term relationship to being single again. The transition process itself produces strong emotions and reactions but this all eventually dies down and the person finds peace. It can be difficult to remember that you will find peace, but hang on to the knowledge of what waits at the end. Learn from what you uncover about yourself in the process and rest assured that before long, the particular transition you’re facing won’t be so painful anymore.