Counting My Blessings

Elizabeth Edwards died. She was a very visible breast cancer survivor during my diagnosis and fight. We were entirely different and exactly the same. She was a wealthy public figure with children and a cheating husband. She was a woman about my age with breast cancer. I was so disappointed to hear that her cancer had metastasized into her bones. It is my greatest fear. Because it happened to her, it could happen to me. I was so angry that her husband continued his self centered run for the presidency. Nothing she said changed my mind. During her very public humiliation and last days, she continued to speak about living life fully and richly. She will be missed.

When something like that happens, I take the time to count my blessings. I was feeling a little sorry for myself because I had a run of bad cards. BAD CARDS....how ridiculous that sounds in comparison to my good health, the health of my loved ones, my supportive and loving husband, the privilege of living in a warm place for the winter, food on the table and a bed to sleep in, a functioning brain and the joyful anticipation of a family reunion at Christmas.

Oh, and good food. We got our shipment of venison and halibut from home. It has been a joy to be eating such delicious and healthy fare.

It was recommended to me that I start out each day recounting five blessings. I had forgotten to keep up that practice. Coffee and blessings...(and some good cards).