Loving with a grateful heart!

I really look forward to time with my family. I really hate sitting at home if I'm feeling okay. This is the first day in a long time that I'm not in alot of pain. I can't feel my finger tips or my feet from the neurophathy but who cares??? Those are just minor things.

I am so exited that it is the weekend and most of the time, my family will be home! Yeah!

My aunt and uncle are coming in today from Indiana. I think we may go to dinner with them. They want to come over and see me but I want to get out of here, even if it is only a couple of hours. When I'm sick, I have no desire to go out and am quite comfortable staying in but as soon as the feel good bell rings, I'm ready to rush out the door. Of course, after I'm out for awhile, I start to get run down pretty quickly. Little doses at a time I find, works for me. -)

This has been on my mind all day and that is the support, love, care and prayers that everyone has given my family through this journey. I know I have a long way to go before it is finished but I'm so grateful!! Every time I think of all the blessings and prayers that have been sent up for us, it always brings tears to my eyes. If that isn't love, I guess I just don't know what love is......I just don't think it can get any better than that.

With Valentine's day approaching I thought about all the cards, flowers, gifts and dinners that will be on this day. How many of these will be bought or given without much thought but out of obligation because we take love for granted? We take love from God, our spouses, our children as an expection rather than an opportunity.

Love is there when everyone else has picked up and moved on. Love is multi-faceted but in its truest form it is committed when the turbulence comes. It holds you together and becomes stronger when faced with difficulties rather than weaker. Love learns to agree to disagree and never expects its way to always be right. Love tries harder when faced with complications. Love is not physical lust rather it sees the beauty of the person, inside out. Love is constant. Love is forever. We all make a choice to love. It is not something that happens to you rather it is you who make the choice to love and be loved.

I've felt so much love and support from my family, church family, work family, friends and those I've never met that I'm constantly wondering how I can return the thanks? I do find it easier to give than to receive and I guess that is what eats at me because without the prayer and support, honestly I don't know if I would have made it; but how do I give back?

So today is another day I want to say from the bottom of my heart, "thank you!!!!" It is inconceivable to think of the support our family has received. It has certainly taught me a valuable lesson in giving. It is very important not to get so busy that we have intentions of reaching out to others but find ourselves so busy that we forget. Sometimes someone's life could be on the line...I know mine has been. However, I find so much encouragement from the constant blog comments, words of encouragement, cards, etc. etc. that even in my times of agony; I'm always thinking of the support and prayers. On days I wake up with extreme pain and wish the day would go away, I always think of the support and prayers. I've never given up. I will not be denied of my healing or blessing. Other than God's protection, You all have been my life support.

Hope you enjoy the poem:
MY DEAR FRIEND (Philippians 1:3)
One day Christ came to my heart,
He told me to close my eyes,
He said He had something for me,
A wonderful, splendid surprise.
Wrapped up in a friendly smile,
Christ lay His gift in my hand.
I accepted it with a curious look,
I didn't quite understand.
I felt a soft nudge from the Lord, I didn't know what to do.
When I opened my eyes what was my gift?
My dear friend, it was YOU!

Love always,
Leah