Thread: We sometimes take simple blessings for granted.

So, we have recently started taking care of my 89 year-old step-father, John. My hubby actually got power of attorney and has slowly been getting things in order for him. He really has no assets, have been living here and there...and I actually 'lost' him for two years. (His 65 year-old niece wouldn't tell me where he was because she was sure I might take all his money...LOL.)

Anyway, we got him placed in a lovely retirement home where he has made lots of friends...mostly women. (I call them his 'harem'). He is well cared for, has a nice roof over his head, there is someone handling his medication for him and taking care of his medical needs, his laundry is done for him, and he has 3 square meals a day. He can even walk to the corner and get himself a cup of Starbucks every day.

Yesterday, Bob took him to pick up his new glasses. We don't actually know how long he has been without glasses, but when he put them on for the first time, he started shaking and crying. The optician didn't know what was going on. It was simply that he had thought he was blind and that he would never see things clearly again. He was so overwhelmed with being able to see.

He is looking forward to reading the paper every morning. It's such a simple pleasure that we all take for granted.


Oh Lord, please let me never take my senses for granted.


Anyway, Oprah says we should keep a 'Gratitude Journal' and write down 5 things each day for which we are grateful. (I love Oprah!!!) Let this be our Forum gratitude journal. You don't have to write 5 things...or even put something every day. But let's use this thread to post about good things happening in our lives.

Kelsey, you are so kind (your hubby too! )

Originally Posted by pepperpot

Kelsey, you are so kind (your hubby too! )

My hubby is doing most of the work...and, at least my step-father is so very appreciative of what we do for him. Truly, this is the last thing I could do for my mother. She isn't here anymore but I know it's something she would want. I have so many regrets with not being there as much as I should have been in the end. So, I figure this is my way of still doing for my mother. Does that make sense?

My FIL is another story. Hubby is doing so much for him and he is just a miserable old grouch! He's better though. I think his grouchiness was the result of the aging and the frustration he feels when he has so little control over his life. Anyway, he is now trying to bribe my hubby with money...LOL. He wanted to close out a small savings account (approx. $3,000) and give the money to Bob so 'we' could take a vacation. I told Bob, "Don't take the money if it comes with strings attached!!!"

It makes a lot of sense however, hearing you describe the situation so lovingly only reflects your inner kindness and beauty. Not everyone is like that. No doubt your Mom is smiling from above.

My husband.
My memaw.

Kelsey, that was beautiful... I hope I can someday do that for someone whether they appreciate it or not.

Thank you, Kelsey!

I'm grateful for;

my husband, kids, granddaughters, my sisters, my home, my car, my friends, how the trees and grass are turning green (and oh, how good is that smell!), enough food to eat, clothes to wear, my library, my 'new' eyes (had cataracts removed last month), my good health, my health insurance, my neighbor (he is very special to both my husband and me), common sense.....I could go on and on.

I feel that some folks don't really 'look' at their lives and surroundings and do nothing but feel sorry for themselves and complain. I believe that we ALL have wonderful things in our lives and that we all would feel better about life if we focused on those things instead of all the garbage that we all get at some point in our lives.