Raising from the ashes (Felicia Ciotlaus)

Incredible things can happen to us and it sort of feels like a dream when they do. These happenings can be the highest happinesses “I can’t believe this is happening to me!” with the intensity of euphoria given by our brain’s chemicals OR... these happenings can be the lowest, darkest, most devastating moments that leave us numb and in pain for some time... I met Felicia ten years ago at the office where we work together and we quickly became best friends. She is probably one of the most optimistic persons I know, she easily sees the good in any bad and definitely has a zest for life... Last Friday night, Felicia lost everything that she owned in a fire that destroyed 46 apartments at the Park Place in Oviedo on the Park. To add to Felicia’s pain, this tragedy in her life came not even three weeks after her son had passed away. None of us can understand precisely what Felicia battles inside her heart and core of her soul right now and things happen to people all the time. This life is tough and beautiful at the same time and all we can do is live it graciously. Please join me in giving a little of ourselves to help my friend get back on her feet in one piece and soar again. Sort of like the bird of Phoenix raising from her ashes.