A Few Positives

      -Right now, because of feeling so tired, frustrated
and discouraged, I have DECIDED that I need to focus more on the
positive aspects of my life and less on the negative ones. True, there are
plenty of negatives in my life but there are also positives-if I stop
feeling sorry for myself and start looking for them.

The most important positive in mine or anyone else's life is a relationship
with God. It is incredible! As many years as I have been a Christian, I am
still in awe that there really is a God and, no matter bad circumstances get or
how out-of-control my emotions get, He is still with me.

Another positive in my life has to be my church. It is so good to be in a
church that teaches the Bible and gives us what we need to hear without
pussyfooting around. I find it so refreshing to be in an atmosphere where
the Holy Spirit can move freely.

One of the major positives in my life are friends. Over the years, I have not had
a lot of close friends but the ones that I have now or have had in the past
are wonderful. They put themselves out for me in ways that are astounding.
It has always been more important to me to have a few close friends than a
lot of casual acquaintances. I can't repay them for all they do for me but I
can't help thinking that God will eventually reward them somehow.

Family. That is a positive for anyone. My own kids were so young when I had
the stroke that I could easily understand if they didn't give any time to
somebody they don't really know. Like any mother, of course I would like to
see more of them but it does brighten my day to get an e-mail from either of
them or have a skype visit with my daughter. I have also reconnected with
cousins and it is fun to exchange e-mails and reminisce about old times. And
then there are my precious little grandkids. Both my real one and my two
"adopted" ones. They are definite rays of sunshine in my life.

I can't forget the nurses when think of positives in my life. Not just the
present ones but all the ones I have had in the past. Not only have I had
excellent care all these years but I consider them as friends. All the times
we have laughed and joked and just been silly together often has brightened
up my day. Theirs too, I am sure. I know that they have a hard, often
thankless job.

It always brightens up my day anytime I can out of this place. I get out a
lot more than other people in here. I can't even imagine being stuck in here
24/7. Getting to church is really, really important to me so I am grateful
to all the people over the years who have made sure I am there almost every
Sunday and Wednesday. But I enjoy other outings as well. Pretty much
anything that gets me away from Long Term Care for awhile.