November 10, 2024
For more years than I can remember, I have taken the time to recount the day's blessings as I drift off to sleep. I've also learned to look at the events of the day that made me pause and ask, "What is going on here?"
Finding "the gift" in something painful, scary, or just not right can be challenging. But these things offer me the most rewards once I figure them out. As an example, the past year (maybe more) has left me with chronic shoulder pain, which brought me to the orthopedic surgeon's table just three weeks ago.
I tried all the remedies, such as over-the-counter pain patches, physical therapy, a lot of stretches, yoga, etc. Depending on the day, some of that made things worse. So, I think you might be asking," How this was a blessing?"
Being 72 years young has taught me to consider " ... in the grand scheme of things..." where does this fit? Allow me to put this in context. Six weeks before my scheduled surgery, a younger family member suffered medical issues that brought him to the brink of death... three times. Three days before my surgery, my other half experienced a "mild heart attack" (a term which still leaves me shaking my head. It was a heart attack!). Both of these men are people I love.
As for my family member, it was a case of wait and pray. He is now on the mend.
My "other half" was so distressed by his event that it took all my professional skills (Retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker) to help him realize his "gift" in all this.
So for me, the "gift" in all this has been to (first) recognize how important we are to each other. The "gift" has been to (second) see that each of us has the strength to get well by doing the best we can, given the proper medical advice and care. The three of us range from 68 to 77 years old and must (third) reaffirm that each day is a "gift", no matter how our bodies and circumstances change.
All the above took me away from my plans to update a good deal of my business needs to remain competitive in the children's book genre. I also had planned to get my latest children's book into print. That's okay. I needed the time to reach out and in for all three of us. It's too easy to get side-tracked in day-to-day plans.
I hope you can appreciate and consider what your "gifts" have been of late. Don't let circumstances pull you too far from the lives that matter.
It is my wish that you acknowledge your "gifts" and be grateful for every moment!
I am so grateful for each of you!
Wishing you a joyful and Happy Thanksgiving!
Comments