TGP: Day 12

TGP: Day 12

Friday, August 12th, 2011

Twelve days ago, when I decided to journal some of the many reasons for gratitude - there was no inkling of the challenges that would be faced in this month.  This week alone: I found out my much-loved Dad had major surgery, remaining in the hospital for a week (sadly, finding out two weeks after his release); The undesired biopsy report came back; surgery was scheduled; Aunt Jodie unexpectedly left this Earth.  Just this morning, a friend contacted me, requesting prayer for her 15 year old daughter.  She ran away earlier this week and obviously, my friend is distraught. It's been a difficult week - and in spite of the news received - each day has come with many reasons for a grateful heart...some large - some small. 

It's been a very long day. Like every day of this eventful week - today has been full of reasons to be thankful:

• obviously, safe, enjoyable travel - never taken for granted.
• four hours of "margin" in the car was enjoyable - plenty of time for thinking, praying for my sweet friend and her daughter, and for singing at the top of my lungs (with no critics!)
• since my phone charger stopped working today, I stopped by the front desk to see if they had any that had been left behind - otherwise, I'd be buying one because one cannot go for days with a dead cell phone.  Fortunately, the desk clerk pulled one out that fit my phone - no trip to T-Mobile was necessary!
• There was a brief "15 minute" meeting and hug in a Shoney's parking lot. Another of my "Marine Mom" friends lives in Nashville so we were able to connect briefly - share a few words, hug and snap a couple of pictures.  "Lisa" is a sweetheart and one of many special ladies I've connected with and bonded online - since Tyler joined the USMC. It's always a really cool thing to actually "see" face to face my online friends.  Her hugs and sweet words were truly gifts.
• After seeing Lisa for a few minutes, I met my hubby at the Nashville Airport.  While waiting for him to approach the car, it was a bit like our "early days".  He's even better looking now than when "we" began and he's truly my best friend.  Seeing him walking across the parking lot - in my direction, I felt like an excited schoolgirl who was seeing the "man of her dreams" during a locker break. It's especially amazing to be reconnected with him after a long, news-filled, week.  (Not everyone feels this way about their husband, so these feelings - and this man, are an unbelievable gift!)
• After visitation at the funeral home, eight of us went to dinner - we sat and talked for a long time.  Hearing several "family legends" for the first time (for most of us) and reflecting on Jodie's wit, and lively spirit - smiles and laughs were frequent.  Thanks to Aunt Anne and Uncle Tommy - my cheeks are still a bit sore from laughing so hard...I hate that a loss is the cause for this gathering, but am appreciative of moments like this in the midst of it all. 
• After a long day, getting back to the hotel room - I'm thankful for the impulse purchase at Kroger this morning.  The bag of Dove Milk Chocolates on the nightstand was a welcome sight.  I opened one - the wrapper read "Create a Happy Place."  How appropriate for this 31 day endeavor.  Happiness, contentment, gratitude are possible every day...it's not an actual "place", but it's an "attitude of gratitude" we can foster by focusing on life's little gifts. 
• Who am I kidding?  I had a second chocolate - the wrapper on it read "Think of something that makes you smile."  Hmmm....there's a theme here.  (Wow - this wasn't an impulse purchase of milk chocolate, it must have been the leading of the Holy Spirit!)
• Well, I'm going to sleep next to my best friend after a long day...with a smile on my face - because I've just reviewed and recalled today's many gifts. 
• Okay, okay.... the third one read, "Break the Mold".   (I'll have to think about that!)

My "Marine Mom" friend, Lisa....a very sweet, beautiful and PETITE woman -
 at 5'9" I felt like a giant next to her - thus the "squat"!  It was SOOO good to see her in person!