Friday's Blessings

On Friday, I went to the office in the morning.  There had been an accident on the freeway, only two exits before mine, and the two right lanes were closed and traffic backed up all the way to before where I get on.  It took me nearly 1 1/2 hours to drive to work.  But, I counted my blessings:  the longer commute meant I had a longer time to listen to the cd of hymns I had playing - the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  It was also a blessing that I could arrive 30 minutes late to the office without worrying about it (I just stayed 30 minutes later in the evening to make up for it.)

Later in the morning, I took some time off from work and went to the clinic to pick up a copy of my pathology report.  I had meant to ask for a copy from the doctor, last Friday, but I forgot.  So, today, I picked up a copy and read what it said.  Then, since I had some questions to ask my doctor, I requested to see her.  I didn't have an appointment, and I had to wait about an hour until she had seen her other patients (those with appointments), but that was OK - I sat in an air conditioned waiting room and relaxed.  That hour of relaxing and waiting was a blessing, too. 

I asked the doctor (she's my primary care physician) the questions I had to ask and then, asked her if she would speak to my daughter, as well.  So, the doctor phoned my daughter while I sat in on the conversation and patiently answered my daughter's questions and concerns, as well.  And, believe me, daughter had a LOT of questions!  But, afterwards, daughter felt a lot better.  She's not as stressed as she was earlier, before she spoke to the doctor.  Another blessing.  

The doctor's office scales indicated that I have lost 4 lbs. during this week!  I knew that I had lost my appetite, but I hadn't realized I had lost weight, as well.  Since I am overweight, any weight loss is a good thing and a blessing.  My blood pressure was a little elevated (I am on medication for it), but, I suppose that was to be expected under the circumstances.  I need to concentrate on relaxing and meditating, this weekend.  My sugar levels were fine (I'm diabetic and on medications for that, too). 

Doctor clarified the procedures.  I will go on Wednesday for a consultation with the surgeon.  Once surgery is scheduled, I'll go in to have a lumpectomy and they might also take sample lymph nodes for testing.  I will also be referred to an oncologist who will study the results of the lumpectomy and do further tests as needed to determine the staging  and treatment.  My primary care physician will also be involved to treat all my other ailments.  Good to know. 

I went back to the office for the afternoon - the blessing of an air conditioned office when it is close to 100F outside (it was 99F at noon, when I drove back from the clinic and the day's highs usually take place around 2:00 p.m.) 

I came home to a bouquet of a dozen pink long stem roses from my friend who does my garden.  He's the nephew of one of my neighbors and he started doing my garden over 22 years ago, when I was in hospital having my daughter.  My neighbor had noticed that the grass was overgrown and had noticed that neither I nor my mother was home and had inquired from my cousin who had said I was in hospital; so neighbor got her nephew to mow the lawn for me and he's been tending the garden ever since.   :)

I had just come home when one of my nieces called from out of state.  She lives on the east coast and has called and missed me twice, already, on previous occasions because of the time differences.  Today, she sent me an email, and I told her I don't get home until much later than she thought I did. 

There were several phone messages, too - each one a blessing as it indicated a friend or a loved one calling to inquire how I was.  One of the phone calls was from a friend, asking if she could visit me in the evening.  I called back and said, "Yes, of course".  Then, I returned the other phone calls, including one from my (older) half-sister.  And received a call from one of my two surviving (older) half-brothers.  My half-siblings and I have not had the closest of relationships, but, once upon a time, I was their baby sister.  When something like this happens, I guess we feel more connected.  Perhaps, this, too, is a blessing. 

The friend who called and asked if she could visit mentioned she was going to a craft store before coming to see me.  So, I asked her to pick up a package of white pipe cleaners for me.  Not for a craft project, but for Dancer cat.  He loves to play with a pipe cleaner and I was all out of them.  The other day, when he heard me open the craft supplies drawer where I usually keep the pipe cleaners (I was looking for something else), he came running and sat by the drawer, hoping that I might toss him a pipe cleaner to play with. 

When my friend came over, with her husband and daughters, she brought, not only the pipe cleaners but also dinner!  What a blessing!  And my favorite fried chicken, coleslaw, mashed potatoes with gravy, and biscuits!  Her daughters video chatted with my daughter, so daughter, too, got to spend the evening in the virtual company of friends!  They left the leftovers for me, so now, I have tomorrow's dinner in the fridge! 

So, today has been a day filled with blessings.  And I am grateful for each and everyone of them. 

How was your Friday?  Anyone else counting her blessings?