Thursday, November 28, 2013

Another Perfect Thanksgiving

It's been a couple of years since I have written about Thanksgiving.  All the other posts are under the Thanksgiving tag.  I am really that tired right now that I am not going to put in the hyperlinks!  I digress.  I didn't have to host dinner, I just had to make a side dish and grandma's apple cake.  How easy is that?  Seriously, it was awesome...I feel a new tradition coming on. My mother hosted dinner, and it was fabulous.  It's always fun to spend time with my siblings.

Today was a beautiful day.  The sun was out, the sky was so blue!  It's the end of November and the weather has been amazing.  I had a nice run, called friends and relatives and enjoyed having a day off.  I think this is the closest to doing nothing I have had on a holiday.  I had an opportunity to reflect on all the things I am thankful for: My husband, sons, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, family and friends.  I am gainfully and happily employed and have adequate food and shelter.  We may not have the newest baubles and trinkets, but we have love.  I am wealthy beyond measure not monetarily, but in the intangible ways that matter. My life is far from perfect but I honestly couldn't ask for better and for that, I am thankful!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

In December 2011, I met an incredible person.  At the time, I didn't know they were particularly phenomenal, and I had no idea that they would touch my life and have such a profound impact on me.

This person was Sam Gordon.  Sam was a Physician Assistant at my clinic.  Right away he was amazing with the patients and staff...he ALWAYS had a smile on his face, kinds words and easy going demeanor.  He even followed a patient home to make sure they arrived safely when they had to take the clinic's oxygen tank because they ran out.  He didn't even think twice.  He just did it.  He was so...( I just can't find words!)...he was just so compassionate and kind and caring. It was as if he had always been a part of our clinic...He was someone you just felt you had known forever.

On May 28th, 2012, Sam died at home in his sleep.  I have dealt with some really devastating losses in the last five years, but Sam?  It devastated our clinic.  He touched each person's life in the short eight weeks that he was there.  Like I said, it was as if he had always been a part of our clinic family.

The memorial for Sam was so beautiful. His family loved him so much, and it was so apparent that he loved them with a love that was bigger life.   It was one of the most touching, meaningful yet heartbreaking that I have ever attended.  Though I only knew him for a very short time, he touch my life and those around him in a way that I don't think we will ever be the same.

Tell the people around you that you love them.  Don't sweat the small stuff.  Live with abandon, yet gently.
R.I.P. Samuel Lyman Gordon.  My life is richer for having known you.

It's Been A Looong time!

I can't believe it has been so long since I blogged.  I have a journal that is filled with 16 months of blog entries...I will say that 2012 was one of the most challenging for me personally and professionally. I experienced loss, and disappointment that I just never imagined.

One of the bright spots besides the the birth of a grandson and going back to school, was that I started running again after a 21 years. I participated in the Heart to Start Couch to 5K.   I didn't think I could do it, and then there I was crossing the finish line at the Shamrock Run, and yet again two months later at the Run Like a Mother 5K.  It was awesome.  The highlight of all of that was appearing on AMNW with Dr. James Beckerman in January.  It was great to go on there and hopefully inspire others to get out and get moving.

I don't want to rehash all of the craziness that was 2012 and even the first half of 2013.  I learned a lot about myself, my ability to handle stress, and the limitations of a body that is is under stress.  Needless to say, I don't want to encounter anything like that again.

Here is to the future.  To many blog entries and thoughtful observations of this wonderful life!