The Facebook group that I help moderate, Medical Musings with Friends, runs a weekly thread called ‘Thankful Thursdays’.
The wonderful lady who started the forum, Sam, encourages members to reflect on the things that we are thankful for each week. It’s an excellent exercise in gratefulness.
I’ve written before about being thankful, however I wanted to dedicate a specific post to some people and things that I am particularly appreciative for.
My Husband
Within the first six month or so of dating my husband, I got pneumonia. He came to my aid and helped me out a lot. During our time dating, I was sick on and off, and had several bad injuries. He stuck by me, and made the decision to marry me. He didn’t know, however, that my issues would be permanent.
The last couple of years, when my health has declined, he has been my rock. I could not ask for a more supportive, loving, and helpful man to be by my side.
Family and Friends
I am blessed to have a loving family, and some very excellent friends. I know that they are there for me, and care for me. That means a lot.
I have also connected to friends online that have been a great source of support. I’m very grateful for those people, and for those internet communities.
Socialised Health Care
I grew up in Canada, and later moved to the UK. Both countries have socialised health care systems, meaning that I don’t need to worry about paying if I need to see a doctor, or get tests/treatment. Outside of limited prescription costs (which are extremely limited in the UK, especially with prepaid cards), I don’t pay for any health care.
When hearing about the stress that health costs can cause people in other countries, I am very thankful that I have not had to worry about that.
Christmas
It’s almost Christmas, and it often conjures up images of turkey, gifts, trees, tinsel, pies, and family gathering together.
All of those things are wonderful, and I love them all (although I can’t eat much these days), however what I’m most grateful for is the central reason for Christmas existing: The birth of Jesus Christ.
Jesus being born represents hope. He brought love and forgiveness to this broken world. And for that, I am thankful.
Other Stuff
I have a whole load of other things I’m thankful for such as: comfy pajamas, my bed, baths, the reduction of migraines I’m having, Christmas decorations, snow falling down, a nice cup of tea, kindness, the internet, my rollator walker, medications, books, my mobile phone, and so much more!
So, today, and this holiday season, have a think about what you are thankful for. You might surprise yourself about how many areas in your life that you feel blessed with.
If you have a chronic condition, or care for someone who does, please check out Medical Musings with Friends, and our Twitter account.We are a very supportive group, where we share our highs and lows together.
A Chronic Spoonful 
My husband grew up with a disabled mom and a dad who overly works himself to take care of them all. I hope I never reach the stage where I do nothing but lay around watching TV (we’re cord cutters anyways. We don’t do cable) but if I did, I know he’d stay. I do feel guilty for the times I am too fatigued to do much or when I’m in such bad pain I can barely move. I don’t want anyone feeling like they have to take care of me
I think the thankful Thursday is a good idea. It helps put your mind back on a positive track.
I agree with socialized health care. I’m in the US and if they repeal the ACA fully, all of us with pre existing conditions will be either bankrupt trying to afford health care or having to forget about it. Already, my insurance quit covering my thyroid medication, luckily the pharmacy put me on a lower payment program so my (generic) medication is only 15 a month but I know some people on nongeneric who have to pay over 100 a month.
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It also helps that my husband has Rheumatoid Arthritis so he understands the pain I feel with Osteo. The bad thing is, we’re both autoimmune (RA and Hashimotos) which pretty much means our kids will end up with Autoimmune disorders at some point.
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I’m glad that you have a supportive husband. It amazes me how understanding mine is.
I do get what you mean about the guilt. I can’t work right now, and the days when I can’t get out of bed even, I feel terrible. It’s a process though to accept that it’s not our fault, and to accept help.
I do hope the situation in the US gets better in terms of health care. I feel for you all. I’m glad that you were able to get your med at a reasonable price though. That’s good. 🙂
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Wonderful post and a great reminder to think hard (very hard, if needs be) about the things we’re grateful for, big or small. Thank you for sharing yours 🙂
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Thank you! It can be hard to think about what we are thankful for, especially on bad days, so I think it’s good to have a list to remind us. 🙂
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Beautiful post Erin. I’m incredibly thankful for having met you online & gaining a wonderful friend. Thank you for all your amazing support with the forum. I couldn’t do it without you. You’re work with our Twitter account is priceless & I just can’t thank you enough.
Happy & blessed Christmas beautiful lady
Sam xx
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Thank you Sam. I’m very grateful I’ve met you too, and for the forum. You are wonderful, and so is the work you do.
Have a happy Christmas too. ❤
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Reblogged this on My Medical Musings and commented:
A beautiful uplifting blog post, from my very special friend Erin, who is reflecting on all the things she is grateful for.
Erin lives with multiple chronic diseases, including debilitating Gastroparesis. She has been an amazing support to me despite her own struggles both personally & as one of my key moderators on Medical Musings with Friends Forum & Twitter accounts.
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