Day 218: Pain Empathy + Support

Today I learned...
...that people in pain can be kinder and more personable than the professionals helping people in pain.

Today I am thankful for...
...the opportunity to be there for my husband.

Day 217: Writing + Responses

Today I learned...

...that writing about Rick's pain is really helpful to me.

Today I am thankful for...

...the beautiful and loving responses I receive in regards to Rick and his chronic pain. 

Day 195: Pool + Rick Time

Today I learned...

...that an inflatable pool can make my husband very happy.

Today I am thankful for...

...time with Rick after a weekend away.

Day 193: Understanding + Chronic Pain

Today I learned...

...that the understanding of another person can start with a completely different person.

Today I am thankful for...

...a man named Ed who helped me help my husband with his chronic pain & fatigue saga.

Day 192: Marriage + Hair

Today I learned...

...marriage is about teamwork in a way that's very different from other relationships. 

Today I am thankful for...

...the ability to do my own hair. 

Day 186: Pool + Magic

Today I learned...

...that getting to a pool is not always as easy as it appears.

Today I am thankful for...

...all the magic that happened at the Cliff House on our last night in Maine. Too many instances to name!

Day 185: Patriotism + Boat Cruise

Today I learned...

...that Ogunquit is a very patriotic place. 

Today I am thankful for...

...a beautiful boat cruise with the man I love. 

Day 183: Cliff House Dream + Rainy Beach

Today I learned...

...that the Cliff House will fulfill a dream for Rick.

Today I am thankful for...

...a beautiful moment on a rainy beach with my husband.

Day 182: Intentions + Pharmacy

Today I learned...

that some good intentions just remain intentions.

Today I am thankful for...

...a pharmacy nearby our hotel.

Day 181: Navigator + Important Talk

Today I learned...

...that I am pretty good at being a navigator in the car. 

Today I am thankful for...

...an important talk with my hubby.

Day 179: Respect + Sneakers for Rick

Today I learned...

...that when you tell someone you can't do something, if that person respects you, she will not ask you to do it.

Today I am thankful for...

...Rick finding sneakers that don't hurt his feet (chronic pain) after weeks of searching. 

Day 172: Defensiveness + Vacation Plans

Today I learned...

...that being defensive does not serve me well. 

Today I am thankful for...

...having enough money to take a vacation. We really need one since it's been more than 3 years and June 30 can't come quickly enough...but as we plan and buy last minute things like snacks and towels and boogie boards, I'm happy we CAN. 

Day 171: Rick's Video Debut + Double Downton Abbey

Today I learned...

...that Rick will be a guest in one of my videos this summer. He finally relented. 

Today I am thankful for...

...double Downton Abbey. Rick couldn't sleep, so he said, "Want to watch another one?" DUH! The answer is always yes! 

Day 170: Teamwork + Love

Today I learned...

...that teamwork is a beautiful thing.

Today I am thankful for...

...Downton Abbey, The Language of Flowers, and my cats...one on my head and one in my lap to be exact. I turned to Rick and said: "Look, your whole family is in one chair!" And he came over, kissed me, and said, "Aw, everyone I love is in one pile." :-)

Day 162: Rick Laughs + Texting

Today I learned...
...that Rick can almost always make me laugh.

Today I am thankful for...
...texting within the workplace. :-)

Day 159: Early to Bed + Hubby TLC

Today I learned...

...that an early Saturday night is a good idea sometimes. 

Today I am thankful for...

...a husband who takes care of me, cleans for me, and looks out for me.

Day 152: Emotions + Sunshine

Today I learned...
...that my hubby is sometimes more emotional than he lets on. I thought I was the only one who got teary picking out cards at the store, but today he did too.

Today I am thankful for...
...sunshine and errands with Rick! It's the little things!

Day 135: Hilarity + Column

Today I learned...

...that when Rick and I are both out of it, things are hilarious.

Today I am thankful for...

...finishing my column for the Lehigh Valley Woman's Journal. I am both happy that it's done and happy for the opportunity. :-)

Day 117: Fun with Mom + Spring Quality Time

Today I learned...
...that no matter what we are, time with my mom is fun(ny).

Today I am thankful for...
...nice weather and quality time with Rick.

Day 110: Learning + Dinner Celebrations

Today I learned...
...that I learned A LOT during my crazy 3 year graduate program. After completing a 21 page paper detailing tons of field experience, therapy practice, etc...I feel...accomplished.

Today I am thankful for...
...a delicious dinner out with Rick. We never go out so it was nice to have some time together without having to cook.