“Quit Yer Bitchin” Friday – Week 6

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This is the final week of the Faithful Fridays Contest and I feel like I have grown and benefited immensely by simply learning to count my blessings each week.

It has been a trying and sometimes stressful week, but in spite of it all, there are so many things for which I am grateful.

My sister, who lives in Chicago, had spent a few days at my parents house so she could be here for the transplant surgery and the days immediately following. She and her husband and boys had to return home a few days after the surgery, but her oldest daughter stayed here with my mom to help her with things around the house and to accompany my mom as she traveled to and from the hospital to visit my dad. My sister then made the trip back again last Saturday and stayed until Wednesday morning. I am so grateful she and my niece were here to support my mom during a time when she very much needed it.

I had my post-op appointment and was given a clean bill of health. My recovery has happened more quickly than I could have imagined and except for a little fatigue at the end of each day (and that weird headache on Wednesday,) I am feeling phenomenal.

As you read this, I am enjoying a much needed mini-vacation in Bayfield, Wisconsin and the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. This is an annual no-kids, couples-only, totally relaxing and fun long weekend with good friends. Whether or not the weather cooperates, we always have a great time. This year, we are going to rent mo-peds on Madeline Island, join up with partners and do a photographic scavenger hunt on the island. Wish me luck in remembering to be competitive instead of trying to go for the most creative and artistic shots!

I am sleeping again!

While driving to Minneapolis on Tuesday, we ran into some stop-and-go traffic on I-94. We were nearly rear-ended, not once, but twice. The first time, the car behind us made a last second lane change to avoid smashing into us. The second time, I was watching in the sideview mirror as a van was racing towards us and appeared not to notice our brake lights. I braced myself for impact and heard the tires on the van screeching for what seemed like eternity before the van came to a halt what must have been mere inches from our bumper… AND WE DID NOT GET HIT!

I have phenomenal friends. I could write an entire post about friends, and it would likely be very long-winded, but I will just say that my friends have gone above and beyond lately to show me how much they care and I am humbled by their love and generosity. You ALL know who you are!

It’s summer and I love this time of year. This week I have been able to spend time outside, enjoying the warmth of the sun on my skin. I’ve taken strolls around the neighborhood and enjoyed the sounds of summer; sprinklers that spray beyond the yards and splatter on the pavement as I walk through the droplets, kids running and playing, shouting happily as they enjoy a break from school, the hum of air conditioners and lawn mowers, and the music of the ice cream truck as the ice cream man cruises the neighborhood trying to entice kids into buying frozen treats.

I have one more week at home before I have to return to work. I’ll enjoy my last week of freedom and being able to sleep in, but I also love my job and am grateful to have employment that fulfills me and look forward to a return to routine and productivity.

And finally, I feel blessed to have become friends with Blessed1 and that she offered me the chance to take notice of all the blessings in life with this contest. I have learned so much with this opportunity. I have realized that the world goes on, day in and day out. There will be trials and there will be joys. That’s never going to change. But I can change the way I react to the tough stuff. I can choose not to allow the difficulties to rule me and turn me into someone I don’t want to be. I can learn to rely on my husband, friends and family when I need support instead of bottling it up inside and feeling sorry for myself.

Life is good. It’s not always easy, but it’s good. And I plan to enjoy the rest of it as much as possible.

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