CHOOSING TO BE THANKFUL

There are many times in our life that we have to deal with "periods" of pain, suffering, loss or any other stresses. This last summer, we went thru that "periord" Aaron was in the hospital 3 times and we almost lost him the 2nd time. At the same time, I began to have issues with pain which I thought to be sciatica. It progressively got worse to the point of being on a walker. I was diagnosed with a herniated disc, stenosis of the spine and degenerative disc desease. I was in a lot of pain and lost my mobility. Joe was struggling with the need to be with Aaron at the hospital due to Aaron's lack of communication and being home to help me. There was a lot of stress, pain and uncertainty during these few months.

WHERE DO WE FIND "THANKFULNESS" IN ALL THAT CHAOS?

There were many tears, anxiousness and mostly prayers. My "go-to" when I find myself in moments of chaos is the poem "Footprints in the Sand". When I see only one set of footsteps, I know God is carrying me. That brings me such comfort and I know, without a doubt, that things will work out and God has a plan for me. Where did I find the "thankfullness" last summer? I thank God that He gave Joe the strength he needed to do what was necessary for Aaron. I thank God that He brought Aaron through all the illnesses and healed him. I thank God that I had friends that I could call on at a moment's notice to help me while Joe was with Aaron and God gave me the strength to be able to maneuver and to get the medication and care I needed to start healing. I have a long road ahead, but I know God has a plan. There are so many things that Joe and I are thankful for, family, friends, basically good health, a home, food and all the necessities and most of all for God's Grace and Love.