- Name something that makes you happy?
Having an ADA van makes transportation for Russ SO MUCH easier and that makes me very happy indeed. - How can you thank a friend for their friendship?
Write them a note/card, thank them when you see them, notice when they are struggling and step forward to help. - What public service organization are you thankful for?
The library for sure! Our Parkinson's group. Manna Soup Kitchen. Adaptive Sports. Center for independent Living. - What is a simple pleasure you are thankful for?
Our small neighborhood walk/crusie. A walk around our hood is life giving, getting Russ and I out in a safe place without having to leave home. - What life experience has had the biggest positive impact on you?
Hmmm, both positive and negative, but my father marrying Inez. - What do you find yourself taking for granted?
My home and the ease it offers our lives. That we live in the land of plenty with no worries about clean water. - What is one way you can show gratitude?
I write cards of thanks. I bake treats for others. ("Linda, do you have any cookies? - Dax, 4yrs). I tell people I appreciate them. - What is a possession that makes your life easier?
I already said our van. Also this house with all it's ADA adjustments. A HUGE blessing. - What is a mistake, failure or disappointment you are grateful for?
I married and divorced. That is a great sadness to my soul. It was right in the moment, but so very wrong for a lifetime. A poor choice, but I learned so much about inner personal strength. - What is one of your personality traits you are grateful for?
It has always been my Pollyanna nature. That has faded in recent years, but I do revisit it and force it into action when I am really struggling. - Who is a person you are thankful for and why?
So many, so many. If I have to pick one I would say mother Inez. She believed I was more than the little girl she first met and encouraged me to be the girl I could be. - What is an accomplishment you are proud of?
That I made it through junior high school, with the help of Inez. NOT my most successful years. - What is some intangible thing you are thankful for?
I am aware that for many people with a degenerative disease, asking for help amounts to failure. Not so for us, it is our hope!" My word is HOPE. - Do you think it is important to have a day designated to giving thanks?
Sadly I do. I think lots of people get so busy with job and family they forget to ...stop...look around...and give thanks for what is right in front of them. Some need the nudge to reflect on gratitude. So it's a good thing. It brings people together to celebrate life and tradition. - What kind of actions deserve thanks?
It is an endless stream of goodness showered upon one by others. In one day, for me... the friend who cared enough to listen, ask questions and share her heart, the Verizon man who solved a bill discrepancy, the tire guy who helped with my spare tire, the neighbor who checked the pressure in my bike tires and Russ' care person who showered him with care and conversation. - Name two ways you can thank someone without saying the words thank you.
People regularly let us know we matter and want to tell us. Russ' example of living with PD touches them in some way and they want to acknowledge it. A couple ways we have been thanked are: having dinner delivered, flowers, a massage, therapy dogs coming over to love on Russ and then just yesterday two small neighbor kids delivering salt ornaments for our Christmas tree. - Who are some people who help you indirectly? (secretary, custodian...)
People who deliver goods to stores that I may buy, custodians of the places I frequent, the pool maintenance people at the Rec Center, the people who sort the mail at the post office. - What is something you are thankful for today that you didn't have a year ago?
Visiting Angels is a company that supports us with care persons coming to our home 4 days a week. They offer each of us an opportunity to find strength amidst these difficult (Covid and PD) days. - Who is someone or what is something that makes you feel safe?
All the accommodations we have in our home to support Russ. Also the call button Russ wears every day in case of emergencies. - What is something that made you laugh recently?
Sometimes we get so 'involved' in life that we forget to relax enough to see humor. We got a new shower chair with wheels for Russ and I have to say it starts our day laughing as I try to drive it... it's like one of those grocery carts that just refuses to go straight! - How do you feel when someone helps you or does an act of kindness without you having to ask?
In all honesty, my feelings run the gambit. Always happy, but with a side of guilt, angst, worry or even sadness that someone saw clearly that I needed the help or the infusion of hope and care. But alas, life shifts and I love the people in our lives. - Is it hard for you to forgive and move on...?
It is. I usually do (I think always... eventually), but it takes time to release whatever it is by remembering we each 'do life' differently. My story is not your story is not their story, so we meet challenges and experiences differently. My way is not your way is not their way... remember that. - Who is someone that inspires you?
So many people, it is hard to select one. I did just write to the my friend Chris'
family... they inspire me! Chris' writing inspires me to want to be better, buck up, hold on, face the dragon, not to give up and to keep the faith. His family is downright amazing and they not only inspire me, but often leave me speechless in how they do life. Thank you Choates. (post 11-21-20) - Name 3 days in your life you are especially grateful for.
1. The day I first went to my step-mother's house (beforemarriage) to 'bond with my soon to bee siblings and I decided ...'I think this will work'.
2. The day Russ asked me to marry him.
3. The day I left for college and realized I could make my own path. - What philanthropic cause or organization are you thankful for?
At this point in my life it is all about Parkinson's. The two biggest being the Davis Phinney Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation. And my friend Chris G. reminded me that I should add Summit Church. They are all about service to others. - Who are the people in your life today... at your table, on the phone, in a Zoom call? Name one thing about each person you are grateful for.
As with many families, we are alone today. In my mind I am grateful for our family:
Joan - generosity
Andrew - kindness
Matt - connection
Michelle - worker bee
Gardner - family man
Owen - meticulous
Winter - communicator
Jackson - humorous
Andy - leader
Steph - fairy godmother
Lisa - family matriarch
Gary - giver of smiles
Ron - snail mail king
Gail - compassionate
Nan - mama bear
Pete - explorer
On 10/19/20 I wrote a post title BE GRATEFUL. BE THANKFUL. It was a list for daily reflections to spur one to ponder life's choices, challenges and joys. I was thinking of writing a Thanksgiving message and thought I would write my answers here. Russ and I have shared our thoughts each morning and that has been revealing to both of us. Do you have an answer for each of these?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Categories
All
|