Since Thanksgiving has just passed, I thought I would share things that I am thankful for. Even in my situation I still have so many things I am thankful for.
First and foremost I am thankful for my wonderful loving husband. I thank God that he brought me and Richard together 40 years ago in that Chemistry class. Richard has always been a wonderful father, husband, supporter of my career ( even though it took away from family frequently), grandpa, provider, and friend. Over this past year he has proved this time and time again. He has taken over most of the house hold stuff, cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, as well as helping me. He changes my dressings to legs every day, sometimes twice a day, he puts the lymphedema pumps on every day. He does all these things with no complaints. He is true blessing to me and honestly I don’t know what I would with out him.
I am thankful for my parents and how they raised me. I truly believe I wouldn’t be the person I am today without their influence. Growing up on the farm taught me work ethics, accountability, responsibility, hard work and love for family.
I am thankful for my loving sisters. Last year when I first went to the hospital, they both came out to be with me. They spent around 2 weeks with me. They sat with me at the hospital every day. They were there when the dressing changes were so painful that IV pains really didn’t help much. They held my hand through out the changes. I was not eating hardly anything but for some reason what tasted good was the filling for deviled eggs. My sister would make some every day and bring to me along with some little snacky things. There were days when that was all I ate. When I transferred to rehab they went with me and spent the days with me there. Many times bringing me my favorite gummy worms\candy. They had to return home but everyday would text and call me. They continue to call and text me daily. This means so much to me. Sometimes the phone calls are just being silly and texts are dumb dad jokes, but believe me they make my day. I also have an awesome brother who has made me some fun wood working animals and got me a highland cow named Bessie,( stuffed of course, Richard thinks our back yard isn’t big enough for a real one.)
I am thankful for God leading to my career in nursing. I had 36 years as a nurse. Most of the time I loved my job, of course there were hard times but still thankful for even the bad days. I meant so many wonderful people through out the years, many of whom I am still in contact with today. It takes special people to work in healthcare. I worked with a social worker who would do wound rounds with when no one else was available. Let me tell you she didn’t have to this but would do so to help out. She was great at distracting the patient and recording my notes for me.
I am thankful that God gave us the ability to go on 3 mission trips. Though these trips we were able to share God with so many people and see many come to Christ. They took us to places we would of never seen if God had not made these trips available to us.
I am thankful for God giving us 2 wonderful sons. These 2 sons have grown into wonderful husbands and fathers. These 2 wonderful sons has given us 2 wonderful daughter in laws and 5 beautiful grandchildren. ( 3 girls and 2 boys). My family are the loves of my life. I treasure every minute I get to see them.
I am thankful for how God blesses us each day. He gives us healing and comfort. He protects us, gives us a house to live in, provides for us everyday day, also kept Richard safe when he was recently in a car accident. The blessings he gives us too many to list.
I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving and thanks all for reading my thoughts.
Ann