As thanksgiving approaches guest lists and menus are the typical focus. But how much thought do we give to what we are thankful for? When browsing through my 2023 engagement calendar, I was struck by the domination of difficult scenarios for which gratitude did not come to mind. But a closer look pushed me into giving thanks for both the times of celebration and consternation.
Medical issues have touched every aspect of our lives, even the good things. For example, we were delighted to attend the wedding of Robert’s niece Brittany and her husband Stephen.
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But my inability to drive after dark meant we had to stay overnight. The motel we booked had a tall bed that Robert couldn’t climb into and lowering it was not feasible. However, the aggravation turned into appreciation when a shorter rollaway bed was located. The bonus was congregating with relatives at the breakfast bar the next morning.
My 70th birthday trip to Australia would have been impossible without Robert’s Florida family—Susan, Brittany, and Lyn & Bill—each taking a turn to stay with him for a week. Even though my three-week excursion was marred by being in ICU with COVID, I’m deeply indebted to them for allowing me to spend time with my family and friends in Sydney.
At home, Robert’s propensity for falling out of bed was ameliorated with lowering and relocating the bed. We were grateful when Gary and Kathryn helped us rearrange the furniture. But none of this prevented Robert from landing on the floor. Several 911 calls for help to pick him up were needed when he couldn’t get up after sliding off the bed. But it was a pleasant surprise to learn that Fire Rescue calls are free unless they take you to the hospital in an ambulance. Just as well, because on October 28 we called them to the house twice in one day.
Being hospitalized for eight days in October was nothing to be pleased about especially since it involved Robert’s blood pressure, breathing, kidney, and infections in the sinuses, bladder, and lungs (pneumonia). Nonetheless we were thankful Robert was classified as a progressive care patient attended by ICU nurses, numerous specialists, and therapists. We were glad when the hospital discharge plan continued many of these services at home.
I’m happy that earlier in the year we didn’t know so many medical interventions were on the horizon. This allowed me to continue marketing my dwarfism memoir trilogy with weekly blog posts, a workshop at the LPA District 4 Spring regional in Palm Beach Gardens, contribute a chapter to an anthology on “Dwarfism Arts and Advocacy: Creating Our Own Positive Identity,” and participate on an LPA advocacy panel on Understanding the Laws.
It was a joy to visit with so many friends from New Zealand—two in Stuart and two in Sydney—dating back to our days in kindergarten, middle school, and university. We were also tickled that two Aussie baby nieces adorned us as a great aunt and uncle.
In Everything Give Thanks
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
What are you thankful for?
Related Angela Muir Van Etten blog posts are listed below:
- Disabled Scooter Airport Story. September 4, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/disabled-scooter-airport-story/
- Crashing Into My 70th Birthday. August 28, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/crashing-into-my-70th-birthday/
- Hearing Aids: Lost and Found. May 29, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/hearing-aids-lost-and-found/
- Thankful Through the Years. November 28, 2022. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/thankful-through-the-years/
- Be Thankful in All Circumstances. December 27, 2021. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/be-thankful-in-all-circumstances/
- For a weekly email alert when a blog post is uploaded, please subscribe at https://angelamuirvanetten.com/blog/
3 replies on “Give Thanks”
Thankful for friends such as you and Robert!! Appreciate all you did for us as W went through the school system. Hope to see you both next trip down!
I am so thankful for my friends and family. Our hardships really help us to see the things to be thankful for. Wishing everyone a great holiday.
I am truly thankful for every thing and everyday and all of the many people all have been put in my path by God.