God works in mysterious ways; far be it from me to question His wisdom at any time. So, when I went to Ohio this week to visit my brother in the hospital, I was focused on silver linings. An opportunity to be helpful. A chance to invest some time with his wife and son. An opening to build on all three relationships. (And aside from that, precious evening hours with my sister, a nephew visiting from Chicago, #1 Daughter and the Fiancé. A completely serendipitous occasion to visit my parents' gravesites, a mere mile from the hospital.)
Sitting here now, in Denver, more than mid-way through my return journey, my heart is heavy. My brother has been moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility, and the road ahead will be arduous.
Life is not simple, or predictable. At any moment, life can turn upside down. I can't take any pleasure in the fact that it's someone else who is in the hospital, but I can count my blessings every day. I can go out of my way to be kind to people, to look them in the eye and consider what they might be going through right then. Look after my own health, and do what I can to make sure those around me do the same. Show the people I love how much they mean to me. Be thankful for where I was born, and pray for healing in our country and around the world. Notice the trees and the sunrise, and work to preserve the planet for future generations. Be a good neighbor, in the physical and the metaphorical sense. What are the blessings you are overlooking?
Welcome to Mosaic Monday, a weekly meme
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Please include at least one photo mosaic/collage in your post.
The link will be open from 1 p.m. Sunday until 11 p.m. Tuesday (U.S. Mountain
time).
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enjoy more wonderful mosaics; taking the MM blog button from my sidebar is an
easy way to link back.
As host I will visit every participant and leave a comment so that you know I
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Please try and visit as many other blogs as you can, especially those that join
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Thank you for joining in today and sharing your mosaics with us.
I sincerely hope your brother will recover soon. Work to preserve the planet and kindness to other people brings pleasure among all of us.
ReplyDelete...life is never easy, enjoy each day that is offered to you and make the best of it.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Angie and I hope and wish for your brother's best recovery. I am glad you were able to be there for him and the rest of the family. Your post is such a well-written reminder to count my blessings; I try hard to follow a similar pattern (and needless to say, the older I get, the more I am conscious of how quickly ordinary days can change). Thank you for posting this link always and especially at this time -- from the Airport no less!! I appreciate what you do so much! I used to see the phrase "good Netizen" -- and you are.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with your opinion, being friendly to each, if you can do. Why we do bad things is the question? Sometimes I could despair, reading the news.
ReplyDeleteAnd I hope and pray for your brother, Angie, that he recover soon.
My thoughts are on your side.
Hugs by Heidrun
I hope the recovery process goes smoothly.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for your brother's recovery.
ReplyDeleteWho knows how many blessings I just miss, but I try to squeeze as much as I can - it just makes for a happier life.
Prayers to your Brother from all of us too. I'm glad you got some quality family time though.
ReplyDeleteI very lovely, evocative and at the same time a sad post. I am so sorry to hear that, Angie! I wish your brother a full and speedy recovery. Take care.
ReplyDelete-Soma
Sorry your brother is in a hard physical struggle. Glad you could be with him during this time. Hugs...
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your brother's serious illness, Angie! I'm glad you were able to spend time with him, his family, and other members of your family. I will keep him in my prayers that rehab will be successful and he will be able to regain his health.
ReplyDeleteIt is so true that we often take things for granted until something like this reminds us how quickly life can change. Gratitude and appreciation for all the little normal things in life is so helpful toward making each day we are granted count!
Thank you for the amazing shots and the captivating posts you always share and for hosting, as well!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a most wonderful new week
XO Daniela at ~ My little old world ~
Hello Angie,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about your brothers, I wish him a speedy recovery.
I am glad you could visit with your brother and your family. Sending prayers for your brother. Take care, have a happy new week!
Dear Angie,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that your brother is seriously ill and I very much hope that he will be well looked after in the rehabilitation facility and that he will soon be better! I am not surprised that your heart is heavy after this visit. But you have found a wonderful way of dealing with things - to be grateful for everything you have, to be loving with the people who surround you and to perceive the beautiful in the world, even if you know and feel that life not always feels good... (Hmmm, here I come up against my foreign language limits, I hope I was still able to get across what I wanted to say ...)
Hugs and all the best
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2021/12/oma-freuden-und-was-sonst-noch-im.html
Sorry to hear about your brother, and I wish him well for his recovery. SOmetimes I think life is thrown at us to make us stop and think about who and what is most important and yes notice the sunrise and the trees. Take care and sending you hugs.
ReplyDeleteDear Angie - I think I know how you are in a sinking mood and try to count your blessings. Things happen, which can be tough, but I believe some people are tougher. Your brother will recover with energy inside himself and with the help of loving, supportive families. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. What are the blessings I’m overlooking? One of them is simple, basic and practical; my pension to make a living that comes regularly without fail when there are much more people in need. Your sister has such lovely orchids! Take care.
ReplyDeleteYoko
My best wishes to your brother, Angie. I've had some bad news also - my aunt has just been diagnosed with cancer. As you say, let's count our blessings and look after ourselves first so we can be strong to look after others too.
ReplyDeletePS: Thank you for hosting. Your efforts are appreciated especially during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteI hope your brother is able to persevere.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. Prayers are being said. Thanks for going and being God's hands and heart.
ReplyDeleteWishes for your brother's speedy recovery
ReplyDeleteHappy Mosaic Monday
much💜love
Something like this can be a reminder of how life can change at any time. I have so much to be thankful for and I count my blessings every day. I'll keep him in my prayers too. hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am so, so sorry that your brother is not well and has to undergo extensive therapy, and that your family is going through this hard and difficult time. Please know that this lady from downunder will keep you all in her thoughts and prayers. May you and I, continue to see all those little blessings, the little everyday things to be thankful for. It is amazing, isn't it, how many we can see when we begin to count our blessings. Many hugs to you, dear Angie.
ReplyDeleteI ams very sorry to hear about your brother Angie and hope he has a successful recovery. If this virus time has taught us anything anything it would be to appreciate and enjoy family and friends time whenever we can. I have learned to be grateful each day for the life I have and for having healthy (big) kids.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read about your brother Angie, saying a prayer for him and all the family.
ReplyDeleteWe must all be grateful for everyday.
All the best Jan
Your sister must have a talent for orchids. Best wishes to your brother.
ReplyDeleteLife is certainly unpredictable. I hope your brother will make a good recovery. It's good you were able to support them with your presence. Kindness is always the best way. And gratitude.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDeletePlease read my post
ReplyDeleteHello Angie. I sincerely hope your brother makes a full and speedy recovery. The human spirit and body are remarkable machines, often capable of much more than we imagine. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI wish your brother well in his recovery. Amen, to praying for healing for our country.
ReplyDeleteSaving the planet for the future is the key part of your statement, Angie. Without this Blue Dot as our home it is all for naught, yet lamentably we show little inclination to mend our ways and to seriously begin to remediate the damage we have done or pollute less. I wish your brother all the best and join others in hoping for a full recovery.
ReplyDeleteI am terribly sorry about your brother, I hope he get better soon. Beautiful scenery about you.
ReplyDeleteI too am sorry about your brother's health issues and wish him and those who love him well.
ReplyDeleteYour words, Angie, echo what I try to do in my daily life. So sincere you are and thoughtful. We both take the comfort and enjoyment found in nature as best we can. Take care!
I am sorry to hear about your brother's health, I hope he has a full recovery. I agree with your message, life can change any second so be thankful for the people you have in your life, care about the little things and show compassion. Take care, Angie.
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lovely words...so well written and shared. seeing the silver lining is not always easy but so worth it!! your brother is lucky to have you and you him. i hope he recovers quickly!!
ReplyDeletesuch pretty flowers!!
Sending healing wishes for your brother. It was so good you could go to visit when you did. I am so thankful that Wayne and I are in good health and can travel in a safe way in these difficult Covid times. - Margy
ReplyDelete