Gratitude - Tuesday Slice of Life

A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to take part in a three day writing retreat.  On the last day of the retreat, we all did some final reflections.  One of those reflections was wrapped around a word we were given at the beginning of our time together.  The word I reflected on was "gratitude".

Using that word again, I'd like to reflect on that important word again, only given a different context.

Reasons I have felt gratitude in the past two weeks, but especially the last 24 hours:

• after 57 years of time in the sun, this summer I decided to have an entire body scan done by a dermatologist, and they found two issues that needed to be dealt with immediately
• having lunch with a friend who held my hand when I first got the news and heard the words "basal cell skin cancer"
• the nurse who shared the pathology results with me via phone - everyone should have such a kind, patient person to walk them through the "what's next" steps
• the friend and colleague who never batted an eyelash when I let her know I couldn't present with her at a district leadership meeting (just found out today she did 3 sessions by herself!!!)
• the cards, emails, and texts I received with handwritten thoughts of support
• the same friend who held my hand when I got the news insisted she be with me today during the procedure even though I technically didn't need anyone to drive me to and fro.  I needed her support more than I realized and am so grateful she got her way on this one :)
• the first nurse I met today who babbled about her growing up years while the doctor removed the spot on my face to distract me because she saw tears leaking down my face
• the doctor who had such steady hands and just called to check on me ten minutes ago
• the second nurse I met, who immediately told me they got it all on the first try, and then oh-so-gently put my gauze packing in place until I go back for the stitches tomorrow morning
• the advancement of science to know that this issue has a incredibly high cure rate when dealt with as mine was
• the ability to take a two hour nap afterward and wake up refreshed from all the stress preceding 

This post is dedicated to Ed, my cousin is going through an awful issue with both rectal and liver cancer.  He exudes a positive attitude everyday and continues to be grateful for so much.  He is the inspiration for my post on gratitude.  My issue was microscopic compared to his, but he leads by example.

Thanks to Ruth and Stacey for hosting us on Tuesdays -- I'm delighted to be continuing my membership in this writing community that meets every week for Slice of Life Tuesday.