I never thought I'd be thankful for ...

Real mashed potatoes!

Losing my job in March. Wouldn't be working with all of you if that didn't happen.

Well, I never thought I would be thankful for my high school English teacher. She was a stickler. She would always say, "If you want to be a good writer, you have to read good books." Well, I took that to heart and started reading the classics and low and behold she was right. I became a better writer and it is serving me well on Connect! I'd say thank you to her, if I could remember her name😊. Even though I can't remember her name, I do remember her instructions and I still read, read and read~

I'm thankful for my English teacher too. She was strict, thorough, and encouraging.

I never thought I would be thankful for a career I left behind. After earning a biology degree, I worked in a university research lab and worked as a lab assistant on neuro-anatomy research studies that were published in scientific journals. I first heard about Mayo Clinic from a post doctoral fellow who worked in the lab with the professor. Having that background helped me understand scientific and medical literature, and that was what brought me to Mayo as a patient years later. I had an unusual presentation of symptoms for a spine problem, and none of the local doctors understood the issues and none would not help me. It was by reading the literature of a Mayo doctor, and looking up terminology, that lead me to find medical literature with cases that were similar to mine. I came to Mayo and had corrective surgery with that doctor and a great recovery. It changed my life in many ways, and I am grateful.

Thank you for continuing to share how all of your accomplishments in life are helping you now. Knowledge can be helpful in many ways.

I never thought I would be thankful for the personal computer. It has allowed me to continue working at the age of 75 and hopefully for one more year. After I was discharged from the Navy I went to work for IBM starting as a Customer Engineer working on data processing equipment in California. I transferred to South Dakota with IBM to get my wife closer to her family in Minnesota. I then had the opportunity to take a temporary assignment in Rochester as a technical writer for IBM equipment manufactured in Rochester. The job became permanent. It was in this job as a technical writer that I had the opportunity to work with the first IBM personal computers to see how technical writers could use a personal computer to increase productivity. Being in on the ground floor of personal computers and then being part of IBM's home terminal program using IBM PCs gave me the skills and background that allows me to continue working (and learning!). The biggest part of being thankful is that I can help friends and family navigate some of the frustrating experiences they have with computers and the Internet. Finally, I am thankful that I can use these skills to volunteer here on Mayo Clinic Connect.

John: We are thankful for your great computer skills and your willingness to help us all!

I never thought I would be thankful for the traumas in my life, starting early-on through adulthood. The traumas, disappointments and difficulties have helped me to be a more compassionate person and most importantly have helped me to identify with others who have experienced traumas themselves.

Ok, I thought of another: I am thankful for all the Members who started posting on Connect who were knee-deep in depression, anxiety and feeling hopeless because so many of them have found hope here on Connect through the kind support they have received from others!

Let's celebrate Mayo Connect today as one of those instruments in our life because Connection really does bring about Healing and Hope!