It is indeed a good day to give thanks, and to enjoy the bounty that fills all our lives. It is an abundance that extends well beyond tasty treats and a full larder for the winter. It is an abundance of good things, from the Giver of Good Things, who showers us with Grace and more.
In my life, there is much for which to give thanks. This last year saw me facing a number of challenges, from mobility to the possibility of more heart surgery. A lack of care in the hospital after my last shoulder replacement taught me new meanings for the word pain and set back my recovery. Note, this was not the doctor’s fault, but rather the conscious choice of one nurse and one technician who stopped all pain medicine and the ice bath cooler for several hours. Not fun. Finances were/are a challenge, transportation became an issue, and there was a need to follow-up on the neuro side of things as well.
I could list much more doom and gloom, but that’s not my way as despite what some may think (*G*), I really don’t share a whole lot of that type of thing. Frankly, it’s boring, it’s private, and it’s not what is important. The focus of life is not the challenges, it is the response to the challenges. Our challenges do not define us; rather, it is our response to them that defines us for who we truly are in life. We can be victim, or we can be a victor. The choice is ours. Bad things sucketh mightier than a 10(-16) torr vacuum. They hurt, literally and figuratively. But, they do not have to define us. Complex topic, maybe more on that later.
Instead, I look at all the ways the bad got stood on its head over this last year. It was about this time last year (bit before) that three different searches pointed me towards my new Church home. I started attending, was made welcome, and at Pascha I was baptized into said Church. Funny thing about that. I almost fell into the baptismal pool because of mobility issues. I haven’t needed my walking stick/cane since.
Not long after that, I finally got the cardiac review I wanted with the cardiologist I really wanted. He ordered some much needed testing, and we both were less than optimistic about a few things. We were both surprised. While I can still screw it up and there are still some issues, the heart muscle itself is 100 percent healed. Other things that have long been problems have started healing as well. Not going to go into all of them, but they include some things that have been an issue since early childhood. Do I still have ailments and infirmities? You bet. But the important stuff is healing or healed.
We are now into a long-overdue neuro review as well, with a neurologist recommended by my new cardiologist. Still one block of testing to go, but the MRI showed that I do have a brain (and not just an empty space with an elderly hamster and a broken exercise wheel in the center), and that there are no tumors, lesions, fractures, or other major issues. Very similar to the MRI I had a couple of months after the lightning strike, but reassuring that things are stable on a physical level for now. The block of testing yet to be done will help define/refine the long- and short-term memory issues and give a better idea about the future. While driving may be an issue, it looks good for me remaining independent and cranky for now.
There are some vertigo issues and the testing yesterday did not take place as scheduled. Working with the ENT doc on that, hearing, and other. Yesterday’s testing had to be cancelled after I had fasted and was at the office as only one person for that operation showed up (the tester) and they left. No one on the other side of the Balance Point/Whisper Hearing Center in Greenwood could access or operate the BP systems. Not impressed at the highly unprofessional operation. That said, we will get the testing done one way or another. I’m thankful we are getting data and making progress, even if annoyed at wasting most of a day. It did lead, however, to having a good time and being introduced to the movie “Christmas with the Kranks” (?) at a decompression stop and my thanks to K for making me laugh.
One thing coming out of all of the various medical tests and such is highlighting the difference between what I want, and what I need. I want to move out West. I want to be rural, to homestead as much as I can, and be that cranky independent old codger that makes people shake their head and laugh. As I’ve noted here before, it appears that I need to be around people more (and perhaps even date!) and moving out West will have to go on hold for at least a year, if not more. My insurance won’t transfer, and while there are rumors my Disability application has finally been approved after three years of effort, things are not yet finalized. Also, while there may be another change or two, my critical doctor team is not something I want to lose. I really like the new cardiologist, have a good to great GP, and am gaining respect for the neurologist. Not something I can just toss aside right now. Today, and every day, I do give thanks for them.
I’m also thankful for my continued growth in Faith and in my Church. I’ve been attending a class or two, have become a Chanter, and there is talk of a bit more as I continue to grow. Being involved with the music there, and the guitar lessons (on hold for right now), has been wonderful (amazing even) therapy for me. One of the weirder things after the lightning strike was having to learn to read music again and how to sing again. I’m slowly finding my voice and getting back into things, and the music seems to be dragging some other things with it. I am thankful for those helping me, including the Church music director and my guitar teacher, both of whom think it is good therapy and more.
Which brings me to one of the most important things for which I give thanks today: YOU! Over these last three years you have encouraged me, offered advice and suggestions, supported me with your gifts and prayers, and encouraged my writing here. Writing here has helped me keep my mind going and to work through cognitive and other challenges. Your gifts and prayers have let me get the guitar and lessons, take care of challenges, have food on the table, and so much more. Thank you.
Updating as I completely left out a paragraph. This year also saw me get into sourdough baking, courtesy of Mrs. Gruel and my new friend Snarksalot! Snarksalot has also gotten me into making mustard, ketchup, and more. The cooking side of the year has been fun, tasty, and opened doors up on several levels. Thank you to Snarksalot and all who pushed that.
Several of you donated recently and I wanted you to know what has been going on with that. Because of your help I was able to restock some much needed supplements. I also not only got some needed new clothes, I was able to take some others in for needed minor repairs. I’ve been able to take my good winter (fur) hat in for cleaning and inspection (probably should have done that years ago). With luck, I may be picking it up tomorrow or Saturday. I was also able to get a propane camping stove for emergency or other use (aren’t early sales wonderful!), and tested it by using it to make a dish I’m taking to the Thanksgiving Dinner I’ve been invited to. Got an odd feeling about this winter, so trying to be sure I’m set for anything. I also picked up food and other supplies. For all of this, I am very thankful. Amazing how far you can make things stretch if you repair and research/shop before buying.
While I may not be able to move out West for now, it appears I will be needing to move here in the next month or so. I’m really wanting to wait until the neuro is finished and I know what, if any, limitations are in place (driving or other). However, that may not be possible as my landlord has done some strange things. I’m thankful that things haven’t gotten too bad (or our of control) and that I do still have a roof over my head.
Oh, on the driving. Nothing major, but it has been noted that I am uncomfortable driving in Indianapolis. No Duh! The drivers in Baghdad were better than most here, and there (at least when I was there) you could return fire heavy if they shot at you – and that’s getting to be a real big issue here. I’m thankful I haven’t had to deal with it much of late.
There is more, of course, for which I am thankful. However, I want you to know that YOU are something for which I am very, very thankful. The great comments, good discussions in the comments, and things that spark well-read posts are a delight and much appreciated. Your suggestions and advice (including on the joint replacement) have been a huge help. Your gifts and prayers have helped keep me going.
Thank you. Back to normal posting soon I hope. Meantime, may your day be bright with joy, love and abundance. May the bounty of this world fill your life, and may the Light shine on you and yours. God Bless!
LW
If your world needs a new home base, I have a nearly empty house on one floor, a dog, and am more than 100 miles south.