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

Beautiful, Teresa..... that's why I'm here too to help others navigate the trail through life's challenges and to share what I have learned. I have had my share of disappointments and traumatic experiences early on in my life and step by step, all of that experience made me stronger and taught me how to help myself heal. For anyone who wonders... yes, there is a way when you open your heart.

Thank you for this post. Mayo Connect is an amazing, helpful service.

I never thought I'd be this thankful to help others on their health journeys through Connect and my blog. I am so grateful for all that it has given me back and for the new people in my life.

I never thought I'd be thankful for a teenage girl who got pregnant 74 years ago. In those days unwed, pregnant mothers were shamed and sent off to have the baby that was put it up for adoption. After she gave birth to me, I was put in the arms of a loving couple who had adopted me before I was born. I was taken home when I was three days old and had a wonderful life. So a Sin (as it was perceived then) became my blessing.
@retiredteacher, Carol
Volunteer Mentor

How fortunate you were! Many children are not as fortunate.
@Carol

I never thought I would be thankful for cats. Having been a dog person growing up and in the early days of being married to WW (no, not Wonder Woman - Wonderful Wife although I'm thankful she has been that to me for 53+ years of marriage), but I digress - sorry! We adopted a beautiful baby girl from South Korea in 1987 when we were in our 40s. At the time I did have thoughts of what is wrong with me starting a second family this close to retirement. It did not take long to banish those thoughts forever. She brought cats into my life along with our son much to my dismay at the time. She even left a couple with me over the years because she couldn't have them where she was living. Fast forward to today. Our young neighbors across the street brought home 2 gorgeous solid black kittens to be outside cats and help keep mice out of their house (fat chance). This past summer they strolled down our driveway and up our sidewalk while we were sitting on the front porch. They were a sight to behold strutting together down the sidewalk. Sadly, we and our other neighbors warned them not to leave them outside at night due to a very large neighborhood owl that loves small pets. The owl did take one of them and for awhile they kept the other kitten in a dog crate at night to protect her.

I am thankful this little kitten named "Kitty" by the neighbors toddler brings me joy almost every day. She magically appears at my computer room window around the time I do my morning Connect emails and get ready for my work day and I invite her in for a warm breakfast out of the cold. My next step is to text the photo to my neighbor with the message... I want to report a kitten napping ☺ Haven't quite gotten the nerve up to do that yet.

@johnbishop what a delightful share. Nice black cat kitty captures too!! Those owls have a way of learning where the hunting is easier.

@retiredteacher How are doing with retirement? As I recall it was difficult. There seems to be a grieving process as we say farewell to many things.

I grieve every day and probably will until the day I die. Teaching was my world, where I was always in control, always learning, always happy, always challenged. Besides my husband, it's all I ever wanted. My mother said I was born teaching, and I cannot think of any part of it that did not bring me joy. If I could, I would go back into the classroom tomorrow.
Carol
@retiredteacher
Volunteer Mentor

@hopeful33250
Thank you everyone involved in Mayo Clinic Connect for your wisdom, hopeful, and very helpful responses! I know that I have continued to grow and help others like myself; but to other posts, which have given me support and suggestions about dealing with many different aspects of my life!
I'm Thankful for my family and friends whom understand what I need and have endured since my Stroke! I now find solace in several applications; which help me find 3 things to be thankful for each day! I have also found classes and my Shul activities which help me thrive! I also continue trying to be active in joining others to get back to Volunteer or work part time; as I was young when I had my Stroke! I'm continuing to write my book and hope to Publish it by the Spring!
Have a great Thanksgiving to everyone!
Shelley Mintz