Friday, May 27, 2011

Gratitude

P5306000Over the past few days I have begun to keep a gratitude journal.  Shortly before my shoulder surgery I found the perfect journal book to keep my ‘gratitudes’ in.  I began to write before my surgery and have continued on since coming home from the hospital.  As I waited in the pre-surgery area on Monday morning I was aware of so many things for which I was grateful.  I could see God’s hand on every detail – the timing, the way medical things fell into place and the bits and pieces of pre-surgery care that are often difficult.

Before I begin to share some things I’ve written in my gratitude journal I want to say thank you to each of you who have prayed and emailed and commented and sent wishes for a speedy recovery.  Your words have meant far more than you know.  I have been filled with peace that goes far beyond understanding through the entire process and my early recovery days far exceed what I had anticipated.  I am moving slowly – but I am doing well.  The days of quiet rest are good for me in more ways than words can tell.  I am resting.  With a grateful heart.

For these things I am grateful:

- Friends who offered to help my dear, little mother with grocery shopping, errands and appointments while I recover from surgery.
- Strength and energy to accomplish a lot of things over the days before my surgery.
- Peace that couldn’t be explained as we drove to the hospital early on the day of surgery – no fear – no apprehension.  The nurses commented about how peaceful and relaxed I was.
- A nurse who understood my history and concerns about getting the IV in place without many tries and much pain.  She wrapped my hand in warm towels for a few minutes and then got the IV in on the first try!
- A wonderful medical and surgical team who were caring and who communicated every step of the way.
- Successful surgery and news that my rotator cuff was not affected at all and is in good condition!
- A good first few days home from surgery – much better than anticipated – with pain under control.
- My sweetheart’s tender care – watching over me with a gentle love – willing to do mundane tasks and go the extra mile.
- Hearing good news that our daughter-in-law does not have leukemia or lymphoma, as suspected, and that all is well with her.

‘I will sing the LORD’s praise,
for He has been good to me.’
Psalm 13:6

12 comments:

  1. Good Morning, Adrienne,
    Best wishes for a speedy recovery. My thoughts are with you. Take care ~Natalie

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  2. Hi Adrienne, so glad you are recovering nicely. I love the idea regarding the gratitude journal, I may start one!
    have a blessed day,
    Regina

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  3. Adrienne, it is good to know you have been recovering so well. Your gratitude list says it all. Praise God.
    Hugs,
    Lallee

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  4. Hello Adrienne, just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you recover from your surgery.

    xoxo
    Kim

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  5. So good to hear from you Adrienne!! Great things to be grateful about! I am like you at being apprehensive of needles and IV's as I have those veins that no one seems to know how to catch!! So glad to hear you doing well.

    So good to hear about your DIL too- God is good!

    bee blessed
    mary

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  6. I'm so glad things have gone so well Adrienne. Shoulder surgery can be such a bother I know...my brother-in-law had it done about a month ago and is doing great. Just do the physical therapy and all will be well. blessings, marlene

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  7. Adrienne, I am so happy to hear that your surgery and first few days home went so well. As well as your daughter-in-law's news. Continue to rest and take care of yourself...rest does more for your body than you know. I love your Gratitude Journal...we all have so much to be thankful for. I wish I lived closer and could help you and your mother...just know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Praying that your recovery continues to go smoothly.~Lynn

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  8. I am so happy to hear that you continue to mend well! yes, there is MUCH to be grateful for!

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  9. So happy you are doing so well Adrienne...you have been in my prayers. I agree when we write down what we are grateful for the list continues to grow. God is good!!

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  10. His mercies are new every morning so you should have plenty to write in your journal! Glad to hear you are doing ok. You have so much to be grateful for...we all do.

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  11. That is all so wonderful, my friend. You are very blessed. Love and Hugs ~

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  12. Ahhh, God is good! So glad that you were given so many gifts along your path of healing and that your DIL does not have any disease!
    Thank you for stopping by.
    many blessings!

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I am grateful that you stopped by to visit me. Your kind and gracious comments are appreciated and treasured.