Reflections from a Thankful Heart

Thanksgiving 2023: A time to Rejoice

From early childhood I knew how much God loved me, knowing that He would never leave or forsake me. For 88 years, He has met my every need, often in miraculous ways.

The last year is no exception I awoke on Veterans’ Day 2022, so weak I could barely walk to the bathroom. So began long months in hospitals and a rehabilitation center.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Valentine’s Day passed before I came home in late February, needing a lot of help. I couldn’t vacuum or mop, etc. because of using a walker. 

Family and friends stepped in. My niece contacted several social services. They provided everything from Meals on Wheels to a caption phone, a walk-in-shower to visiting therapists. Then a home helper for a few hours a week to handle major chores. What I needed to be able to stay in my home. 

It is a long way back, but God continues to restore my energy. I still must set priorities and admit limitations. I especially give thanks for “firsts;” abilities we often take for granted.

Some of my most significant “firsts.”

*Taking the walker down the kitchen steps into the garage (supervised). *Walking alone down the driveway to the mailbox. *Standing at the sink and doing my dishes. *Writing checks for bills (friends had been doing this). *Looking in the mirror and seeing faint color in my pale cheeks and a bit of sparkle in my eyes. *First walk-in-shower unsupervised bath. *Washing and drying clothes. *Responding to a gazillion stacked-up emails via a blog post. *Getting out of the house for a ride around the plateau with a caring friend. *Making a home-made meal from scratch. *Walking up the street with my home helper. (I made it all of two blocks that first time!) 

I also learned to appreciate those who so faithfully serve others. Hospital and the Rehab Center personnel. The Safeway and Meals on Wheels delivery people. The many neighbors who kept an eye on my home while I was gone (I came home from the hospital to a spotless house) and those who check to make sure I am okay.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and do take time to give thanks for blessings, great and small.

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A lifetime in God’s care.