Sunday, November 22, 2009

Fun Monday - Giving Thanks

Wendishness is hosting this week:

I thought we could consider Thanksgiving Day which will be the following Thursday in the USA. Though I know a lot of us aren’t in the US so don’t celebrate this, it might be nice to share some of the things we are thankful for in our lives.

Feel free to share in words, photos or both, be as creative as you like or just list them down. I think it will be a nice start to the week
.

This one is a no-brainer for me.... This has already been a huge month for giving thanks for me. If you don't read this blog on a reglar basis, you've probably missed my father's brush with death and the resurrecting pacemaker. And more than likely, you didn't even know about my mother's mystery ailment and the recovery she's been making.

But there are other things to be thankful for besides Mom and Dad and their various trips to wellness.

Things like brothers, who are willing to drop whatever is going on in their lives to come help.

John came down the same day I called and told him I couldn't do it alone anymore. He took Dad in hand and helped prop him up. He sat with Mom when I was so exhausted I couldn't see straight. He and Tania (our cousin) went out to the farm and scrubbed and cleaned until everything sparkled and shone in anticipation of Mom coming home.

Andy was willing to come later - when Mom gets home we may need a little more caretaking just to make sure she's able to function well at home. She'll still need a little help with washing dishes or doing laundry and pushing a vacuum around.

Jerry came and lent his big loving presence when Mom needed a little pick-me-up and made her laugh.

Matt and James are far away, but called nearly every day and worried and prayed for her from afar.

There are good friends like Dorothy, who brought her a robe and a sweatsuit, and sat with her telling her stories and holding her hand. And Jill, who visited and brought a lovely balsam pillow that Mom used for aroma therapy when she was feeling bad or hurting. Father Mike came to visit a few times and prayed with us all holding hands for her good recovery and helped Dad stay sane during the operation that relieved the pressure on Mom's brain. And then there's Blan, who was a lifesaver when Dad was ill - he came bearing stories and donuts and helped lift all our spirits with belly laughs. Alison and Cecelia also came and sat with her while Dad and I went to eat - and regaled her with stories of their love lives (dang, I kinda wish I'd stayed for that).

There was hospital staff, cool, efficient and caring. They made the whole situation so much easier to deal with - especially nurses Erin and the lady who did the bathing (I can't remember her name) and the Doctors - Mendoza, Florek, and Rumana.

But near the top of the list are people I've never even met. Blog friends and FaceBook friends from all over the world, who upon hearing of my family's travails said a prayer, sent a positive thought or directed healing energy towards my parents, myself, and the rest of our family. I truly believe that "God" is made up of people who care and the loving energy they create and direct toward the good of others.

So you see, Thanksgiving this year is going to be truly special. I don't know what the specifics of what we'll eat or where we'll be are, but ultimately those things don't matter. It's the feeling in your heart that does.

14 comments:

karisma said...

You know what? I think I am going to introduce thanks giving at our house! Out of all the celebrations throughout the world, I think this one is the one worth celebrating! Hugs and smoochies, and thank you for being my friend! Mwah xxoxoxox

Jodi said...

I am thankful to know you and have you as a friend.

J.

wendishness said...

I'm so glad that I chose this as this week's FM post, this is such an inspirational post - thank you!!

I'm so glad both of your parents are getting better, and thankful that they discovered the problems in the nick of time!

Anonymous said...

It sounds like it will be a special Thanksgiving indeed! The saddest circumstances seem to bring out love and support even from people you don't know, it seems.

margaret said...

Sayre, you and your family continue to be in my thoughts. Your strength is an inspiration to me as I face my daily challenges. Here's wishing you and yours a safe, happy and HEALTHY Thanksgiving!!!

Jill said...

Wow, I hope everything continues to improve for all of you. What tragedy to have to go through, even if you are on the other side of it now. I'm glad you are blogging, that sometimes helps get your feelings out and make you more able to cope. It's good you have an outlet and people who care about you. I signed up late, please drop by and visit, and if you have a couple of seconds, scroll to the post below and vote on my project!

Janis said...

What a beautiful tribute to family n friends Sayre. You hit the real meaning of Thanksgiving. Your Parents are so blessed to have such a loving family n friends who rally around them and give them the love n support they need. May the healing continue and Best wishes for you n yours at this Thanksgiving time!

Anonymous said...

My daughter, you are a very special lady.

Faye said...

Ah Sayre, this post bring tears--happy ones--to my eyes. I have been reading about your parents' illnesses and marveling about how you carried on. Thumbs up for good brothers who understand that caregiving is not the sole responsibility of the "girls" in the family. How much easier to go through these stressful times when family members, friends, and medical staff help with the lifting.

And, I too count you among my friends, even if it's in the blogosphere. Hope someone surprises you with something delicious for Thanksgiving dinner!

Pamela said...

as I followed your story on facebook I just could NOT believe that these two illnesses followed so closely together. One was bad enough by itself.

To hear that so many things flowed wonderfully together - for everyone -- is so refreshing. Or maybe it was you looking at the bright side of everything and making HOPE shine through with it.

God bless your family this week!

Gattina said...

That's wonderful to have family and friends around who can help and support you. Familywise I am rather poor, I only have our son and DIL, all the others are dead or far away. Fortunately there are friends !

Sandcastle Momma said...

I'm so glad all is getting back to normal for you and yours! I know this Thanksgiving will be a special one for you knowing your parents are on the road to recovery.

Swampy said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

ChrisB said...

Your post brought a tear to my eye, it is wonderful to know that family and friends are so supportive in times of need. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.