If I have to hear the “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” commercial one more time I’ll scream. Only I can’t, my “scream machine” (throat, lungs, breathing) is on the blink, and it is all I can do to breathe in and out—–and sometimes that is a challenge. I remember when I used to laugh at this commercial. However, I don’t find it amusing anymore as it is getting harder and harder for me “to get up.” Just bending over to feed the dogs is a challenge to my current malfunctioning breathing system.
But, ’tis the season to be grateful—–so let me get off the “pity pot” and just be grateful that I can breathe between coughing bouts and that my asthma wheezing is subsiding. And, having been ill for a week, I think I am most grateful for good old fashioned Amoxicillin with Kleenex running a close second. I am grateful my dogs no longer jump and run when I sneeze or cough. They have been desensitized.
I have found being this ill for a week has brought my emotions “to the top”—-I am easily irritated, I have no patience, and, at times, I find myself crying like a frustrated two year old. No longer is my attention fixated on the implications of our recently past election…..having to fight to breathe has a way of putting things into the proper perspective. I have to focus on the present moment and what I can and cannot do. If I have to moan and groan to get more air in or out, it is OK in the moment. I have to admit that in the midst of coughing spasms when I am fighting to breathe and tears are rolling down my face I am intensely grateful I am not out in public. Ego and pride have not left me yet. However, it is time for me to put my self-focused attention aside.
To all of you out there who are engaged in Thanksgiving, I wish you good times, loving fellowship, and the ability to remember what you are grateful for in each moment and not just during grace before the big family meal. I shout out a loud “Thank you!” to Creator and ask him to keep those who:
- are traveling
- are standing vigil to protect sacred lands and water
- are surrounded by pain, death, war
- are in need of sanctuary;
- are hungry
- have no place to call home who are our peace officers
- are in military service
- serve as our health care givers
- have lost loved ones
- are and will be guiding our country
in His care not only on Thanksgiving Day but on all days. May we all realize we are connected as one human family with all of Creation and Creator himself, and may this realization guide us in relating to each other with love and compassion. Amen.
Living One Day at a Time 
I am so sorry that you are sick. But I must admit to a great deal of pleasure seeing you up and around enough to continue posting! You are frequently foremost in my thoughts and rarely very far down on the list. Though we don’t speak often, you are very important to me, so please continue to take better care of yourself.
Thank you. Fighting doubly whammy of bronchitis and asthma has been and remains a challenge. Support from friends like you has been a bright star through this whole adventure.