During our journey to create ElephantTribe.org it became clear to us that Tina Spanos, the wife of my dear friend George Spanos (website programmer of ET.org), should create the first post in our blog. Tina is currently in treatment for cancer and we’re extremely thankful for her courage writing this post. Tina’s thoughts were exactly one of the reasons why I decided to create ElephantTribe.org. Our lives are more than just one’s self, it’s about caring for each other and sharing our journeys. It is our hope that this post will encourage many ElephantTribe friends to find their own inner-strength in making their own lives healthy, happy, and meaningful.

Thoughts by Tina

I have always loved elephants. I don’t know why or can’t put into words why I love elephants. Perhaps it was all the Barbar stories my mom read to me, or seeing them on nature shows. I always loved how Barbar dressed up like a person, but was far better behaved than the people around him. The only school craft I have kept from elementary school is an elephant piggy bank I made. I have it on my nightstand. When I went to college I bought Barbar bedsheets.

In the meantime I grew up, and have had a wonderful life. I am married to a great guy, have two beautiful sons and I work as an elementary school teacher, which is the best job in the world. Nine months ago I was diagnosed with cancer. My whole world came crashing down and I literally couldn’t feel the earth beneath my feet. For weeks I was in a miserable fog and didn’t know how to find my way out. I consider myself religious, but have never felt comfortable in organized religion, so I somehow ended up at the Self-Realization Fellowship in Pacific Palisades. It was there that I started feeling like I could face my war ahead. My first battle was a radical six hour surgery that I  knew would change my life. I found my courage in Ganesh.

There he was, with his broken tusk, so serene and confident. I immediately identified with him and his difficulties. Ganesh is the Hindu god who overcomes obstacles and through acceptance attains wisdom.  After much meditation, I found my courage and before my surgery bought a beautiful brass Ganesh. He was in the hospital with me for a week, comes with me to chemotherapy and spends the rest of his time next to my elephant piggy bank on my nightstand. I still don’t know why I love elephants, but I am happy to join the tribe at Elephant Tribe. I hope anyone that reads this has a beautiful day and appreciates all the people in their lives.

Tina