Gratitude

Gratitude is what is on my mind.

When I was first diagnosed with the cancers friends poured into my hospital room and held a 61st birthday party for me. All I really recall are lots of flowers and faces. I was on some pretty heavy pain meds.

Today outside my door I have a beautiful hibiscus that has bloomed most of the past year. It arrived for my birthday while I was in hospital. I wish I knew who gave it to me.

I received many cards and letters of best wishes from friends. Many friends were folks who share my passion for Australian
Cattle Dogs and believe in the special healing power of these wonderful dogs we share out lives with.

In Texas and Austin friends dropped by with food and sent coupons for meals. It was an amazing help during our transition from normal to the new post cancer normal.

I don't have the vocabulary to adequately describe how life affirming and uplifting all the support, prayers and good wishes have been and still are today. I keep going to words like "really" and "very."

Although I have often been ill and fatigued, I still have friends who invite me over and over and include me in social activities.

I am currently typing this blog on a laptop given to me by a friend with lots of insight into cancer and chemo.

Because I have this laptop and a wireless network she and my brother set up, I have been able to keep up with friends through the Internet. Sometimes I have only been able to lie in bed balancing the laptop on my stomach.

It has been a key way of feeling connected while I am mostly staying home or in hospital.

I have a lot of gratitude for the friends that share on the Internet, through phone calls and visits.

I am truly blessed with good fortune. This post does not cover all the kindness and generosity shown me by family and friends. More about that later.

I am lucky to find that there are so many good people that wish me well.