Feeling blessed

[ajh88]

Although I still have some PayPal rage (see a different post), I have spent some time this afternoon reflecting about the past year and the good fortune (and some not so good fortune) my family and I have had. I realize how truly blessed we are - to be together and have each other, to be able to make plans for the future, and to be able to see a future (that is not too far away!) where our finances will improve.

My dad had a heart attack and double bypass in February 2009 - we could have lost him and we are so lucky we didn't.

Both my DH and I found jobs in January of 2009 after we moved and although we don't make much money, we have a fantastic family to support us and help us through the rough patches.

We have a beautiful daughter who is sweet and caring - she may not get perfect A's on her grade card, but she is intelligent in ways that can't be taught in school.

I have only about 17 months left before I graduate from pharmacy school. I never thought I'd make it this far or that it would go by so fast, but after 3 more exams in December and one more semester of courses/tests, I'll be on rotations and on my way to my "new" career. I forgot what life was like having a real job where I actually make money, but I know I miss it sometimes and I'm looking forward to having it back.

My parents, in their infinite wisdom and generosity, are giving us a short trip to Disney for Christmas. I told them it was too much, especially after all they've been through this year. My mom reminded me that I don't get to spend much time with my family - at least not the 3 of us together - and that we need some time to reconnect and enjoy each other. We leave in 9 days and I can't wait.

We found a stash of stuff that we sold on ebay to make some extra cash for Christmas, the trip, and savings. Then I found $45 in unclaimed funds from our state treasurer's office. And then, I found out that I got a small "bonus" on this paycheck for our store's performance last quarter.

In the grand scheme of life, I may complain that Target tried to overcharge me for shipping or that Wal-Mart wouldn't price match my ad, but really, it doesn't matter - it's not worth fretting about. Make no mistake, I will still fret and vent, and sometimes rage, about perceived rip-offs or injustices, but there are occasional moments of clarity when I can really say I don't care because everything else is just *right* in my world. Now is one of those times.

So, to everyone who has been having a difficult time recently, my thoughts and prayers are with you - everything sometimes seems amplified by the holidays. And in case I forget, because I frequently do, I will say it out loud - I am thankful and I am blessed. And to quote one of my favorite Clover Leaf songs "I am not in need."

Merry Christmas (or whichever holiday you celebrate!) to my DisBoard companions.

 

[Leajess99]

Very awesome post!!!!!!!!!!!! Have fun at Disney and Merry Christmas to you as well!!!!!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Make no mistake, I will still fret and vent, and sometimes rage, about perceived rip-offs or injustices, but there are occasional moments of clarity when I can really say I don't care because everything else is just *right* in my world. Now is one of those times.

So, to everyone who has been having a difficult time recently, my thoughts and prayers are with you - everything sometimes seems amplified by the holidays. And in case I forget, because I frequently do, I will say it out loud - I am thankful and I am blessed. And to quote one of my favorite Clover Leaf songs "I am not in need."

Merry Christmas (or whichever holiday you celebrate!) to my DisBoard companions.

 

[mlittig]

ajh88, that was a beautiful post and a very nice reminder that we can still have so many blessings for which we should be thankful, especially at this special time of the year Thanks for posting, Mary

 

[Plannin'Shannon]

Thank you for that beautiful post. It was exactly what I needed to read.

Enjoy your trip. Merry Christmas!

 

[Pixie Princess]

Great post!!! Congratulations on nearing the end of Pharmacy school. On an earlier pass through college, I had a work-study job at the pharmacy college at my university. It is a tough degree, but I imagine a phasicinating one. (yes, I went there.. it's late).

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

P.S. Love the countdown to your grad trip.. I'll be celebrating graduating (finally) in May at the World!

 

[ajh88]

Great post!!! Congratulations on nearing the end of Pharmacy school. On an earlier pass through college, I had a work-study job at the pharmacy college at my university. It is a tough degree, but I imagine a phasicinating one. (yes, I went there.. it's late).

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

P.S. Love the countdown to your grad trip.. I'll be celebrating graduating (finally) in May at the World!

Thanks to all for the kind replies.

It's funny you went there - my dad is a Farmer and I always joke I'm becoming a Pharmer too.

And congratulations on your upcoming graduation - its such a great feeling - and enjoy your celebration!

 

[DawnM]

I was JUST thinking this same thing this am. We have a bunch of stupid stuff/frustrations going on and it is so easy to focus on THAT over the true blessings in our lives.

For us: DH has a JOB and even though they told him no bonus this year, no cost of living increase, etc.....we are fully able to live comfortably off of his income without the other and for that, we are very thankful.

My boys are all healthy and thriving.

We have our health, we have wonderful quality friendships, and we have a close family where DH and I still have a healthy relationship and want to stay together.

Thank you for starting this.

Dawn

 

[thebeesknees]

Thank you for sharing. We all need to stop and think about our blessings every once in awhile. Even though all of us have had some hard times, we are still better off than 97% of the rest of the world. I'm so grateful for my family and their love.

 

[phred52]

Thanks for sharing. Your message is a much needed reminder for me to count my blessings!

 

[henri + katie's mum]

I like that you said "Blessed".

Sometimes I think it's all luck, but then I remember the good (and yes, some of the bad) come from another source.

 

[toledo13]

This was a great post, and ABSOLUTELY what I needed today. What a horrible morning I had... this helped me to remember that you really do need to be thankful for the small things, live and love every moment, and appreciate what you have.

Merry Christmas to you all!