What a Year It has Been

Ah, a deep breath and a breather…with the blessings of a calm and uneventful (at least at our house) Thanksgiving Day behind us, we take a moment to look back on the blessings from our bank of memories.

What a year it has been in my world…eight months and several days ago, when I attempted a swan dive off my steps, my pace slowed down (somewhat). I am thankful my right foot and lower leg are still attached. I do not think I would’ve made a very good recipient of a prosthesis; surely the good Lord knew not to even test me. I am thankful for the many, many who assisted me in my navigation back into the mainstream. I appreciate my neighbors, family, co-workers and community for the kind gestures and various acts of kindness. Though I am mending and in therapy, I look forward to the day when I get my dancing feet back.

As the season of freezing is coming, take the time to slow down and appreciate the quiet and the blessings you are surrounded by. Take time to share yourself with others and visit the neighbor, elderly, shut-in and those who just need to get out before they are consumed by housitosis.

Though it was sad to see our elderly shipped out of town with the closing of the nursing home, there is no reason why we shouldn’t be reaching out to them where they are.

Count your blessings. Daily. Don’t take it for granted that your friends and family know you love them. I’ll lay odds that no one has ever died from hearing caring words. The hands we hold of our elders as we grow old together have a story to tell. Their hearts can tell even more. Don’t let them pass without sharing memories together.

The shorter days are upon us, and we will begin to look backward over the year and see glimpses of what we have accomplished. Some of us will need to adjust our sails and tackle some of the items again, due to a lack of time, energy or just a less than wanted outcome.

As the end of 2023 is starting to whisper a gentle fond farewell, it is a time for reflection…did I do all I could do for others? Probably not in my case; but I have a little ditty I came up with…”some of us are here to make others look good and I am doing a darn good job!” I appreciate the text messages, emails and encouragement as I continue to attempt to weave through the world of journalism and keep the word in print weekly.

Thankfulness is abounding as my prayer list of intentions sees some positive outcome. Yet, there are still SO many in need of prayers…Covid, cancer, dementia, and other life-shattering battles are altering lives; pray for those in need.

Pray for our world. There’s not much one needs to say to enhance on that statement.

Be kind to others; and also be kind to yourself. You’re the only you we are going to get to enjoy!

In these last days of 2023, pass around as many kindnesses that you can. Try to bring a smile to someone’s face each day. You can do it!