Counting Blessings

At first glance, it didn't seem like I had much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. My life has changed in ways that I couldn't have imagined a year ago, and I wasn't in the mood to celebrate anything. But, I busied myself making pies for Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's house and, in the process, I began to realize how much I do have to be thankful for.

I was immeasurably blessed to have had Art in my life for nearly 50 years. He was a truly good and loving man who gave me a far better life than I could ever have imagined when I was growing up in a small, blue-collar town in Western New York. Together we were blessed to have four children who have grown to be successful, happy, loving, and caring adults. When Art became ill, they all took time from their work and other responsibilities to come to Florida to be with their Dad while he was in the hospital. For 24 days, in shifts of two, we made sure Art was never alone in his hospital room. When his health improved and he seemed to be on the road to recovery, they all came back together to spend quality time with him. We were hopeful then, never imagining that it would be the last happy time we would have with Art as a family. Looking back on it now, I think that was a blessing.

I am blessed to live near my sister and brother-in-law who have been with us every step of the way. I can never begin to repay them for all they did for us during Art's illness, including spending their 50th wedding anniversary with me in Tampa where Art was receiving treatment at the Moffitt Cancer center.

I am blessed to have wonderful friends and neighbors who have demonstrated their love and support in countless ways—helping with the pool, arranging to have my palm trees trimmed, surprising me by cleaning my lanai while I was away, cooking me dinner, inviting me to join them for movies, and lunches, and dinners out, and so much more,  As one neighbor told me, "If you let us share in your sorrow, maybe it will make it a little easier for you." They have shared in my sorrow and it has made it easier for me.

Life threw me a curve when Art died five months ago. I don't know what the future holds for me, but I do know I don't have to go through it alone.