Great Reminder

Below is a column that appeared by Ann Landers. It was contributed by a reader who asked her to reprint it, and I think it SO applies to day-to-day life. Sometimes we just need a gentle reminder of what's so very important.

Ann Landers “Things to Be Thankful For”
Dear Ann Landers: I hope you will print something a friend in Australia sent me. I think it's perfect to run on Thanksgiving. -Bee in Fairfax, Va.
Dear Bee: Please send my best wishes and warm thanks to your friend in Australia. Here's the thoughtful piece she sent:

Things to Be Thankful For

Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have enough to eat.

Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends.

Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you're employed.

Be thankful that your lawn needs mowing and your windows need fixing, because it means you have a home.

Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.

Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.

Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means you can walk.

Be thankful for the lady who sings off-key behind you in church, because it means you can hear.

Be thankful when people complain about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.

Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means you're alive.

~Taken from Ann Landers’ column, 11/22/01

Catching up on blessings...

First blessing I want to mention is my friend. She was discharged from the rehab center and went home last Friday, so she's been home for a week already. I feel bad because I haven't been able to go by and visit yet, but I have plans in the works to bring her family some dinner one night next week, so I'll see her soon! I spoke with her for a while on Tuesday, and she sounds fantastic. Keep praying, because she's getting occupational and physical therapy at home and we want her to continue to recover, but what a blessing to know that she's home with her husband and children (exactly where she belongs!!!). I told her she's my walkin', talkin' miracle friend and she told me she knows just how lucky she is. She's amazing.

Second blessing is that the Relay For Life of St. Augustine is this weekend. This will be my 10th year attending the event, 9th year participating with a team, 7th year working as a member of the planning committee. My grandmother had lung cancer and skin cancer, so the cause (the American Cancer Society) is near and dear to my heart. The event itself is just inspiring, especially when they light the luminaria around the track at 9 p.m. in honor and in memory of people who have/have had cancer. This year we are one of 45 teams camping out around the track at St. Augustine High School. Each team has a different fundraiser to raise money with, and each team tries to keep someone walking on the track at all times during the 18-hour event. We've been working hard all year to get ready, and this week we've worked twice as hard because it's crunch time. It'll all be worth it tomorrow and Sunday! The event kicks off at 12 noon Saturday, May 15 and ends at 6 a.m. on Sunday, May 16. If you're in the St. Augustine area, stop by and see what it's all about...it's something you have to see to believe.

My Friend is a Miracle!

I read a post from my friend's husband on Facebook this morning...looks like she'll be discharged from the rehab center on Friday, May 7th! She's still got a long road ahead of her, but she has made so much progress and we are all standing in awe of the miracle she really is. I cannot express enough thanks to everyone who has continued to pray for her and her family. I know she is so touched and inspired by the crowd that has rallied behind her since this all started two months ago. Yesterday a group of awesome people coordinated a yard sale. I couldn't be there to help, but I contributed a couple of boxes of "stuff." Another friend wrote a newspaper article that ran locally the day before, and they had an amazing turnout from the community, raising over $1,000 to help offset some of the family's expenses. The amazing part of this whole thing is not that they raised so much money, but that so many people turned up to help make a difference in the life of an awesome woman and her family.

God is good.