THANKFUL

Well, I have so much to be thankful for. Brandon and I have both had family members in the hospital this summer, and it sure gives me time to reflect on blessings. My father in law had a tumor removed last week and my sister has been in the hospital for three weeks with pregnancy complications. I have been blessed to see how much joy my children have brought to my family members during our hospital visits. As my mother in law says, "There is nothing like family!"

I appreciate how when life slows down we take time to appreciate the little things. My sister even appreciates the sound of birds when we talk on my cell phone, as she has not been able to be outside for several weeks. My sister has used this time to bond with her baby inside of her, and I am amazed at her positive attitude when I am sure many people would be complaining.

I love my husband for how gentle of a coach he was working with his father on his physical therapy. I will admit that spending my summer in hospitals was not what I was really wanting to be the answer to the question "what did you do this summer"? Great Wolf Lodge is a little bit more what I had in mind....But I will say this....the lessons my children have gained from learning to lift their grandfather up in his hospital bed, the fun my son and I had together making food for the hospital shower for my sister, the prayers that have been lifted up to God by my children, the moments to slow down our busy lives, the respect my husband gives his parents, the way friendships can revive a soul....I would not trade that for 100 trips to Great Wolf Lodge.

Thank you God for doctors, nurses, medicine and technology for nuturing my family back to health and for Carolyn and Larry for being willing to give us opportunity to reflect on what really matters!