The Little Things

Today was a strange day. I am not sure that I can even explain it, but I am going to try anyway. Here goes;

I woke up at 4:00 this morning and it became very obvious that I was not going to fall back asleep. So I got up and went out to the living room. I spent most of the morning in a daze, partly tired, partly annoyed that my hand has still not regained full functions, and partly in deep thought. It took awhile to figure it out, but by early afternoon it began to become clearer. Recently I have had a hyper sense of appreciation and thankfulness.

For almost four weeks, I have thanked God at least 20-30 times a day for my life. That is the big one. I have been extremely thankful to friends who have shown support through cards, emails, making us dinners, and offering words of encouragement. I have been thankful to family who have been and will be visiting and helping out. But my thankfulness and appreciation has been appearing more and more in the small things. Here is a short list of things that I consciencely took the time to appreciate and be thankful for today.

The four hours I had to myself this morning before everyone else woke up. There is a strange calmness about the quiet you experience at 5 in the morning.

Looking out our back window and watching the sun come up over the pond in our backyard.

Reading a book while being surrounded in a fleece blanket since it was freezing outside this morning. (Note: Despite growing up in Chicago, after spending 8 years in Florida, I now consider anything below 50 degrees to be "freezing".)

While being covered in the fleece blanket due to the "freezing" temperature and thinking about going to Puerto Rico in 2 months.

Eating chocolate covered Oreo Cookies for breakfast. Yes, that's right. I said chocolate covered Oreos. (I had waffles too, so it is not as bad as it sounds. Or is it?)

Looking at the sky in a perfect shade of blue with not a single cloud in sight.

Taking a long hot shower. Something I have not been able to do in nearly 6 months. (Clarification: I have showered in the last six months, but they have had to be quick.)

Pouring hydrogen peroxide into my open wound and watching it bubble and fizzle, and not feel a thing. (I know it sounds gross, but if you saw it, you'd understand.)

Having a Bloomin' Onion from Outback for dinner. (still trying to pack on the pounds.)

Watching "The Office" and laughing out loud and pain free. (I so need a PA system for the house.)

Watching my sister-in-law trying to put her bowl of french onion soup into a zip lock bag.

Seeing my wife dressed in sweat pants, a paint covered shirt, with her hair up and dust all over her face, and still thinking she is the most beautiful woman in the world.

I guess what I am trying to say is that I am finding so much joy in the little things in life. I am hoping that I can hold onto these feelings, because I've got to say, it was a good day.