Monday, May 11, 2009

GRATEFUL

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I'm sometimes reminded how tenuous life can be. How easy it is to take for granted our health, our lifestyle and well being. Certainly the current state of the economy and friends who have lost their jobs are a poignant reminder that life can change on a dime. But I'm not one to live in fear of what tomorrow might bring and in a funny kind of way the unknown is exhilarating and full of possibilities. This week has given me a glimpse into "the dark side of the force" as my Star Wars obsessed son would say. And although it can sometimes seem gloomy...it tends to bring a healthy dose of GRATEFUL to my life.

On Friday I took a group of school kids to deliver Meals on Wheels. We are given a prescribed route and deliver meals to the elderly or disabled on that route. Most of the people we deliver to live well below the poverty line and I am always shocked to see how some people in our own community live. The conditions one lady in particular lived in left me completely speechless. The children were shocked into silence all the way back to school. But as shocking as her circumstances were there is something comforting in the thought that someone is checking on her and delivering a meal to her every day. In comparison my life is luxurious even extravagant. I admit I felt a little guilty...but mostly I felt GRATEFUL.

This last weekend my husband and some buddies headed off for a long weekend of camping. On Friday night around 10:00pm I get a phone call from him...there's been an accident...you know that awful knot that forms in the pit of your stomach. Apparently they were out on their ATVs and one of his buddies had tumbled off a hillside, his ATV rolling over him and he ended up in a thicket of bushes. The medi-vac helicopter was called in and the poor guy was ferried off to Sacred Heart hospital with 6 broken ribs, a punctured lung and suspected neck injuries. It could just have easily been my husband instead of someone else's. The accident could have been much worse. GRATEFUL.

Another reminder. Today after feeling unwell for the last few days I called my doctor to make an appointment. I described my weird, funky symptoms over the phone.....heartburn, tingling in my left hand, tightness in my chest. He sent me straight to the ER suspecting I was having some kind of cardiac problem. On a positive note...all my tests came back fine, but after sitting half naked in one of those awful backless gowns and listening and watching all the craziness that is part of every ER across the country I found myself feeling so thankful for my wonderful life....the good, the bad and the ugly of it...it's all a good life. GRATEFUL.

11 comments:

  1. Gees Donna! I was with you on the first two incidents but you really caught me off guard with your trip to the ER! :(

    I'm *grateful* all the test came back favorable!
    Are you feeling better?

    Oh yes, and this seems like a perfect time to tell you, that I am EXTREMELY GRATEFUL for YOU! (((hugs)))

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  2. Goodness! What a week you've had. I'm glad your test came back normal.

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  4. Scary stuff Donna, glad all tests r negative, tho get em looked into if ya still feel off colour every now & then.
    "God helps those that help themselves" a very special lady told me that numerous times.
    Boys will be boys,their toys are just more expensive when they r older.
    Hope Mat's mate is ok.

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  5. I'm glad you are well and I hope your husbands friend recovers also.

    Indeed we have a lot to be grateful for!

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  6. I hope your Friend will recover fully.


    I always thinnk that my life could be far wrose. That there will always be pople worse off then me and I need to be thankful for what I have.

    I beleive once you come to terms with the fact you are lucky and Greatful for it, life seems to be happier.

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  7. WOW Donna! I'm just now catching up with the blog world and was stunned when I came across your post! So glad your tests came back alright and I hope you're feeling better! I also hope your hubby's friend is alright. What a week!

    And you're so right. There is much to be grateful for, although we often take it for granted.

    Take care of yourself!

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  8. I think the natural tendency for us, as human beings, is to get so caught up in our own little worlds that we fail to see what is happening to those around us. Take comfort in knowing that those to whom you are delivering meals-on-wheels are getting at least one nutritious and warm meal every day.

    I'm grateful your tests came back alright! That must have been scary for you and your family. And to receive that phone call from your husband earlier. What a week you certainly did have.

    I hope your hubby's friend has a speedy recovery and take care of yourself!!

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  9. I'm so glad everything turned out all right. Take care of yourself.

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  10. Oh, Donna, what a week. I hope your husband's friend is okay and I'm glad that your tests came back fine.

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  11. donna just catching up on blogs and wanted to let you know how glad i am that all is well ..GRATEFUL i needed that reminder dear!

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