This picture was taken in August 2011. I was part of a NATO training in Moldova. I was in my capacity as the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Command Surgeon, and Environmental Scientist. I was doing my job and giving some ideas to a Belgium crew when this beautiful white eye Mantis stood on the shoulders of the woman I was talking. The woman got all scared when she noticed it, but I calmed her and saved the life of this beauty.
I am so proud of this picture because that Mantis posed for this picture. She just stood there and let the photographer fidget with the camera for about 5 minutes, and she stood there like nothing. Finally, the gentleman that wasn’t afraid of the mantis took the picture.
I remember that day. I was in pain. It was a week after I had to do a series of early morning workouts and running. And my body was sore, I had been on my feet for long hours in this training, and I had been part of simulations. But that simple Mantis made my day. I was still in pain, and I had to work until late that night, but that mantis stayed on my shoulder for a good hour after that picture was taken. I felt blessed.
That day I chose to look at life with a different lens. You should too and you will see that many times blessings do come to you every day.
Choose to have a great and wonderful day, be blessed.
