It’s Been A While…I’m Thankful!

I’ve been out of this habit for a while. As I wrote back in October I went to Chicago, IL for surgery on October 16th (flew up there the afternoon of the 14th). My previous posts were written well before we left for Chicago and scheduled to post for a while. In the next few weeks I hope to post a little more on what I’ve been up to lately both before and after surgery…

*Let It Rain…Post For My Day Of Surgery (LINK)*

I could write pages on what I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving but I’ll try to make it a bit more readable (aka short). I’m thankful for the friends and family that helped me getting to Chicago for the surgery. The story of how that happened has increased to more connection I never knew about until I returned home. I’m thankful for everyone who went up to Chicago for me and my family. I’m thankful for the many prayers prayed on my behalf during all this. I’m thankful for those of you who read my ramblings and sent responses to my requests (scripture, songs, photos, etc.) during this. I’m especially thankful for friends who sent me notes of encouragement as well as pictures from home. I was up in Chicago a little over two weeks and you talk about a fish out of water this redneck missed south Arkansas! Below is a view from my hospital room. The view of the sunset each evening was beautiful but the view of the night sky was blotted out by the city lights. I didn’t think I’d miss it so much but I did! I’m thankful for everyone at the hospital who cared for me. I was in rehab for about a week and my therapists quickly learned to take me outside as much as possible during therapy! My last few days in rehab I was given clearance to get out of my chair or bed without calling for a nurse. I could not leave my room but it was nice to get out of bed and move a little. I’m thankful the prayers were heard and recovery happened quickly. I’m thankful my parents were able to stay with me in Chicago while Christy returned home to be with our kids. I’m thankful for the many people here at home who cared for our family during this time! I was cleared to fly home on November 1st (that’s a story on it’s own). I spent about two weeks at home resting then was cleared to return to work on November 18th. I’m thankful for those who helped in my recovery. I’m thankful for my co-workers at the Arkansas Game And Fish who took care of my responsibilities while I was out and helped me as I got back to work. I’m thankful for my wife and our two kids. I’m thankful for the send off they gave me as we left our home in October for the flight to Chicago. I’m thankful for the opportunity to FaceTime call with them while I was out. I’m thankful for the note my daughter gave my wife to give me right before surgery (it’s sitting on my desk next to me right now). I’m thankful for the late night welcome home from them when we finally got back home. I’m thankful for all they do around here at home to keep us in a regular routine. I’m thankful to be slowly returning to life as it was before. As of right now I have been taken off all medication. I’m looking forward to getting back to more exercise but have not been cleared for too much lifting yet.

I’m Thankful!

I’m thankful for the views here at home. As Psalm 113:3 says let his name be praised all day long!

Last year’s Thanksgiving post

I’m not sure right now on a posting schedule going forward as I need to get back in a more regular routine but I wanted to take a few minutes to write here today how thankful I am for those of you who read my ramblings!