Little Things

We had our annual checkups today and since it was more convenient, I asked the nurse if she could take us back into one room at the same time. She agreed and I was thankful. 

After we both had our blood pressure taken, our chests listened to, and were sent to the lab for blood work, I shifted into observant mode. 

The lab has one of those ticket machines where you pull the ticket with a number on it and wait to be called. Hubby was number 89 and I was number 90. Since he got called back before me, I was able to converse with several ladies who are also waiting to have blood work done. I've always found it interesting how complete strangers can strike up a conversation when they find a topic through which they share common ground. Ours was frustration. Hers over her husband's unwillingness to speak up for himself with the medical staff and mine over my husband's loss of hearing and his pridefulness in not wanting hearing aids. We talked several minutes until I was called back for my labs.

While the nurse drew my blood, she hummed. I could tell her heart was happy. Her name was Allison and we'd had several encounters in the past. In fact, on my last 2 visits, we discussed faith. I found out she's a fellow believer and while she loves art, she doesn't know how to do anything other than rudimentary drawing. She does the best she can to decorate her disposable lab coats because it makes her feel good, but said she loves the ones I bring her. I've brought her colorful ones at each visit, but almost forgot to do one for today. 

Last night, I remembered Allison and the lab coats. What could I do in a hurry? The coats are a wear material in between paper and cloth. They soak up lots of paint. I tried to think of something pretty and quick. I was tired and wanted to go to bed but knew Allison would be disappointed if I didn't bring her a gift. 

Pulling out my supplies, I did an underpainting and waited for it to dry while we watched an episode of storm chasers. Then added more layers of paint and let it dry overnight. 

I'm glad I took the time to remember Allison. She loved the lab coats and as I was getting ready to leave asked when I'd be back. I told her in about 6 months per the doc. She looked at the computer and said, "Then I'll miss your birthday! Wait a second." 

As I waited, she went to a cabinet in her office and brought something out. It resembled a large cupcake complete with candle. She told me she'd made it after watching a video. I was tickled she wanted to bless me and told her so.

After we said our goodbyes and started to walk out of the office, I noticed the woman I'd  been talking to earlier. She looked intently at me as I carried the cupcake down the hall. I'm sure she was wondering what that was all about. As I passed her a smiled and she smiled back. 

On the way to the car, I shot up a prayer of blessing thanking God for a sweet friendship and the joy of blessing others. 

As we drove away, a song I'd heard on the radio often during childhood popped into my head - Little Things Mean a Lot, by Kitty Kallen. I'm sure you've probably heard it, and there's a whole lot of truth bundled up in that song although it's mainly written for lovers.  

Listen to the song here:

https://youtu.be/2C7SzKv2uLU?si=KcYkry4mX0qyEpy8

~ Random Musings by yours truly 

Proverbs 11:25: "The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped"

Matthew 5:16: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven"

Thankful for Cancer

It's been a while since I've written. For some reason life keeps getting in the way.

The holidays are coming and I'm so unprepared. Things seem so different since cancer came into our lives.

In the past, I'd start planning for Thanksgiving months in advance. I'd write out my menu, do the necessary shopping, put out decorations, and look forward to spending time with family. It was a grand gesture that always paid off but for the past few years, I just haven't been able to "get into it." In fact, I haven't even been the one to host the meal. For the past two years, my middle daughter, Laura, has been gracious enough to do the family meal at her home. It's been a real blessing and has taken so much pressure off of me, but this year, it won't be that way. The meal has fallen back into my lap.

The stress and anxiety over planning for the festivities has been overwhelming, so much so that my sweet husband has stepped in to help. "This year," he said, "I don't want you to have to cook or worry about anything. I'm going to take care of it." I was shocked by his statement and wondered what he was planning. Two days ago, I found out.

After getting off work, Phil stopped by the Honeybaked Ham store. When he came home from work, his arms were loaded with a stack of frozen side dishes. He was so excited as he began to carefully place them on the kitchen counter. "I picked up some sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, a green bean casserole, cornbread dressing, and even some sliced apples," he said. I watched his face as he fanned out the frozen blocks of food in a neat arc. He was beaming as he waited for my approval.

I was taken aback at the thoughts of serving our guests frozen food for the holiday. As one who has always cooked from scratch, I felt taking such a shortcut was just short of sacrilege, but didn't dare utter a word. My husband had done what he could to take a burden from my shoulders and I was definitely thankful for that. Would it really be so bad to have pre-prepared food for one meal? In my head, I justified his plan, and accepted it as a broad smile spread across my face.

"You are so clever and thoughtful," I said to my dear husband. The pride was evident as he threw his shoulders back and puffed out his chest. "This will be great and will save me so much time! Thank you, honey!"

After giving him a big hug, I asked if he'd help me carry the frozen goodies to our deep freezer.

A lot has changed since my cancer diagnosis. I've learned to make concessions I never thought I'd make. Some of them have been spur of the moment decisions and others have been well thought out plans, but in each case, I'm thankful cancer has taught me to focus on what really matters- I'm still here. I'm still alive. And, I can still celebrate special holidays.

This year, I'll be grateful for so many things but one of the main ones is knowing I'm loved.

Cancer takes the blame for a lot of bad in our lives but rarely does it receive accolades for anything good. Over the past five years, its taught me an awful lot and in all honesty, I have to say, it's taught me so much more about gratitude than I ever knew before it came into my life. This year, I will be able to say thank you to cancer, and truly mean it.