A SUNDAY BLOG

I don't usually post on Sunday.  I had hoped to go to church today, but found I'm not quite ready, so I decided while I must sit with the ice machine running on my knee for a couple of hours I would give some thoughts to gratitude.  The past month has been difficult and it was hard for a long time before the surgery to struggle with knees so painful I could barely walk. Through it all I've learned I have much to be grateful for.  If I didn't appreciate my husband enough before, I certainly do now. I can't even begin to enumerate all he's done and is still doing to keep me comfortable and cared for along with keeping our house clean, doing the fall yard work, running me to appointments, cooking, and so many  other things. 

My family has been great.  The ones who live close visited me in the hospital and in the rehab center.  They brought me treats and kept me informed about what is going on in their lives.  Those who live further away sent me emails and messages on facebook.  The "girls" in my family get together every three months for a girls' night which usually includes eating out at a nice restaurant and perhaps going to a play or some activity.  Since I can't exactly go out yet, they all came to my house last night for pizza and a DVD.  We laughed and had so much fun.  I love when the whole family gets together, but it's fun to sometimes just do something with my daughters, daughter-in-law, and my five granddaughters which includes my oldest grandson's wife, a 12 year-old, an 11 year old, nineteen month Jen and 4 month Gracie.  I just wish someone had taken pictures! 

I'm blessed with great friends as close as across the street and as far away as England.  You've been so supportive, you've visited me, sent me notes, put my name on prayer rolls, and made me feel cherished and loved. One even brought me eclairs!

It's a blessing to live in a time when great medical care is available and I've had the best from my doctor and his team to my physical therapists.  Tomorrow I start outpatient rehab therapy and I'm a little nervous, but so far my experience with therapists has been fantastic. 

Thanks, too, to the authors of the great books I've been able to read during this "down" time. I've really appreciated the fact that you and your publishers have kept me supplied with a pile of first rate, truly enjoyable stories that helped me keep my mind off of my aches and pains. 

I'm thankful I was able to stay home and listen to conference this year without hurrying to get to book signings. I'm thankful for all of the blessings of the church, church leaders, and for my ward. 

Last, but far from least, I'm thankful for my country and I have a strong desire to see America remain free and strong, a place where freedom reigns and I can continue to enjoy my family, friends, great medical care, economic security, and the many blessings of freedom.