My Gratitudes between October 20 through 27: So much time has slipped by and so much has happened that instead of trying to go day by day, I am going to just highlight some of the of the best that I can remember from those days, which include Saturday the 20th through Sunday the 27th, and they will be in random order. I am grateful for.... 1. Those who survived an auto accident on I-25 near Castle Rock night before last. My friend, who was on her way to Denver, was in the traffic backed up because of it and was giving us some updates. 2. My surviving one of the worst x-rays I have ever had. It’s a new one where they have you stand in front of a blank white screen and take three shots of your whole spine that they put together for a whole picture. By the time they finished I was shaking so badly I was sure they were going to have to do it again. 3. Not having to do the x-rays again because I swear, by the time I finished, I felt like porcelain and that I was on the brink of shattering. Weirdest feeling I have ever had, and the most painful. 4. Making it safely home from Denver Friday night, especially since it was raining when we got close to home. 5. Helping a friend create a Facebook Page for herself and then noticing that she had gotten on it and sent some things out. 6. Helping another friend with her computer program, not because I knew so much about it, but mostly because I gave her a quiet, peaceful place, with a loving friend sitting by her, encouraging her. 7. My being very happy with filling the position of Volunteer Coordinator and the work I do because I love it, but also realizing this week that I will always be a Chaplain/Spiritual Care Coordinator, since I have been doing that for over 23 years. 8. Having the Neurosurgeon, Dr. Witt in Denver, like my plan for losing weight over a year and having surgery when I’ve lost the weight. I think he’s not used to patient’s coming in with a plan to maximize their own healthcare and to the doctor’s care. He was pleased I work with nurses. 9. Having an incredible spiritual conversation this morning at the Episcopal Church where David and I chose to worship. One of the members has been on a similar journey with the church universal as I have, and she was stunned, that I, a pastor, would be on such a journey, and I assured her that there are many of us. 10. Judy and Cheri coming in to work last week to finish up those cupboards, and them looking better than they ever have. Believe me when I say they are the cleanest they have “ever” been!!! 11. The Neurosurgeon reaffirming that I must do the water exercises, but also wants me to ride the stationary bike where I lean back in a slouching position. 12. Finally knowing for a fact what is going on in my back and why I am in so much pain. In fact, the doctor wants me to tell everyone that my doctor has given me permission to slouch instead of sit up straight because slouching is the only way I get pain relief. 13. For the health issues of my co-worker, Gary, who is struggling. 14. Gary keeping in touch with me through his struggles. I appreciate his considering me important enough to be part of his extended family---to be kept notified about his health and some of his concerns. 15. The fact that even though I was in my office alone most of the week, it seemed liked a circus in there with lots of people coming and going. I actually liked it. 16. This coming Tuesday. I will be showing the dreaded “HIPPA” film to the members of the Threshold Choir and going over with them how important it is with them how vital Confidentiality is to anyone associated with Hospice. 17. Not having to make any trips to Denver until December, so things can kind of settle down for a while and I can get some Volunteer things done without too much distraction. 18. Feeling more whole than I have than I ever have. Even though my body is broken and needs mending, my spirit has more companion than ever before and the brokenness of my body feels cradled in the competent hands and hearts of willing caregivers. 19. Some ideas I have for selling Volunteers to our patients and families. I might actually try to do a clever brochure. 20. All the wonderful things that happen to me every day and all the wonderful angels (people) who surround me all the time. 21. That regardless of the pain and suffering I go through, I am a joyful person, and I have much for which to be thankful.
Posted on: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 08:59:41 +0000