Gratitude Discussion Group

Today I am grateful that with many tears, hugs and heart-to-heart discussions, my daughter has made the very difficult decision to take a temporary leave from her beloved job as a school nurse during this Covid pandemic. This has been under consideration for 3 months, and she says she has a sense of peace about it. I could feel the lack of tension in her body when I hugged her this morning. There may still be some hard days as she misses her kids and coworkers, but she knows it's the right decision for her health and her family. A little of my gratitude is selfish as we will be able to be together and can still do things with our little grandsons.
Sue

My journey started 11 yrs ago with a diagnosis of severe ulnar neuropathy, carpal tunnel and trigger finger in my right hand. I had surgery to correct, but unfortunately I would improve and then plateau and get worse. Second surgery was needed to remove scar tissue. I then improved yet again, but then got rear ended while at a stop sign. That resulted in surgery yet again, but on the elbow due to compression. At this point I had three surgeries with 21 months. After the last surgery I had improved and did not get worse. Dr released me, but then one yr later I noticed that I was losing the use of my thumb. He then referred me to a bigger clinic, for a second opinion, as he felt there was some systemic going on elsewhere. Unfortunately this second opinion was of no help.

He then referred me to Mayo. As soon as I walked in the door at Mayo I had a peacefulness come over me. I just knew that this was were I was destined to be. I came in on a Monday looking for answers for my hand. Never expected to be scheduling brain decompression surgery with neurosurgeon on Friday. It was a whirlwind of a week, but I knew I did not need to worry as I was in the best hands. Four weeks from when I arrived at Mayo I was having surgery.

It is amazing that even though Mayo treats hundreds of patients each and every day, the care they provide makes you feel like you are their only patient!! As a patient walking into the clinic you can feel the history and the needs of the patient come first in the air. You really can’t explain it, you have to experience it. All the staff at Mayo have made such a positive impact in my life. I am a better person for it. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Today I am grateful for my husband of almost 49 years as he celebrates his birthday. He puts up with all of my whims, cares for me and (sometimes) appreciates my humor. Due to Covid, we will celebrate quietly with a simple activity tomorrow with the little boys, and in the evening he will have a nice restaurant patio dinner at our favorite place, with daughters and son-in-law, while I wrangle the little boys at home (not ready to have them in a public eating place yet.)
Sue

@sueinmn
Hello,
This may be a belated happy anniversary but the thought is there. My gracious 49 years, Isn’t it about time you got a newer model? I suppose it’s probably too late to break in a new model. Anyway I hope you either enjoy or enjoyed your anniversary.
Jake

Jake, that was not nice. Sue must have a wonderful husband. Why should she trade him in for a newer model?
She had a lot of health issues in the past, most men could of run the other way.
Hope you were kidding her, or maybe you are having a sugar rush from way too much candy.

Marie & @jakedduck1 - It won't be 49 years married for a few months yet, but you're right - he's as well-trained as is possible with a man - I'll keep him. He just put up with my daughter & me dragging him on a weekend outing with 2 toddlers and a dog...then came home and helped with the unpacking.
And he's really good at taking care of me - especially after a dozen or so surgeries.
Sue

Today I am grateful for the cooler weather. While it does make our cat glue herself even more [if that is possible!] to my side at night, waking to a cool room is refreshing. Feeling Tessie Belle stretch out alongside me, she wakes up to play with my feet before enticing me to jump out of bed. The cooler weather makes the coffee taste better, and the early morning air fills my lungs as I get a start on outdoor projects for the morning. Rain will come soon enough, in three or four days, and leaves will start changing colors/dropping. There is much to be done before winter sets in!
Ginger