It seems like lately I've been in a bit of a funk and whining and lamenting about things I am missing. As my friend Diane suggested I am afflicted with FOMO-fear of missing out. I'm not sure of the contagion factor so consider yourself warned.
I'm trying to take a page from the book of Kimberly and choose happiness. I will be grateful for what I have. Life has an ironic way of reminding you to be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.
I met a mother on Wednesday who has five month old twins born at 32 weeks. She was on hospital bed rest two and a half hours away from home for more than fourteen weeks. She spent six long weeks living at the Ronald McDonald House while her preemie son and daughter clung to life in the NICU. I am blessed with healthy, happy kids.
Thursday afternoon I met Karley, a twenty year old mom of two girls- both born too early. She was forced to chose between living with her alcoholic mom or being homeless when she gave birth two months ago. Grandma Boozehound has kicked Karley and her daughters out four times since she had a cesarean section.
She finally managed to get a place of her own. Her only furniture-two cribs and a bed of her own. Karley is painting apartments, mowing grass and pulling up carpet in the apartment complex to work off the $1200 deposit she doesn't have--just two months after giving birth.
I don't have the right to be aggravated that half our belongings are still in a storage unit in Kansas or that I sometimes feel cramped in our rental that is half the size of our old house. Not when I see Karley and her daughters in a two bedroom apartment with only three pieces of furniture.
Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that at this moment, all you have is all you need.”
-Sarah Ban Breatnach
6 comments:
Gratitude is something that I sometimes have to work on.Every now and then I forget how good I really have it, but stories like you shared here make it easy to remember.
You are right-it was most certainly a reality check for me.
We really have a great life! Sometimes I think we tend to forget. Thanks for the reminder.
Sandy
Wow...sure puts things into perspective doesn't it? :( Thanks for sharing these stories!
Diane
PS Thanks for the shoutout! I like to think of it as "venting" not whining. ;P
AH! Sometimes I need these little reminders as well. We are so fortunate, when it could be completely different. I hope things start to get a little more 'complete' for you soon.
A good dose of perspective can make you feel pretty blessed!
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