The things we need

This last week Tim and I were blessed with visits from friends. Tim was so appreciative of the gift of their time. First a member from the Civil Air Patrol met our daughter and picked up some things for Tim and I from home, the models he had wanted to work on, his computer, my walking shoes. She had been praying about a trip to this side of the mountains, when I sent an email letting her know why Tim had been AWOL, she decided to come. I am sure AWOL is not what they would call it, but there were so many that did not know why we left so fast. Her visit made Tim feel connected, that he has a place in our new location. Then days later we got a visit from my administrators at school. They drove over and back during the Apple cup. It was so good to see them and find out some of the things going on at school after a really busy week. They brought us some much needed items, the kind of things that you can't think of when someone asks "what do you need?" It made me smile, because I realized that my "needs" and "wants" are very different now. With Thanksgiving coming up, it is comforting to know that Tim and I are doing fine. We really do have what we need. He is healing, we argue just enough to keep us from sounding like "Little house on the prairie", and we are truly grateful to have this time together. We are not ashamed that Tim and I could not think of things that we need to make life easier, because the basics are covered and we have a very deep appreciation for this. I remember my mother, learning to take care of herself after a brain tumor almost took her early from us. We came to visit and she was sitting looking out side, watching the leaves change colors. My family can all tell you of the delight she took in the simple things, because she so appreciated the opportunity to be with us. She did not complain that she could not walk, she instead sat in the kitchen made cookies and watched them rise in the oven.

Tonight I am sending a heartfelt "Happy Thanksgiving". Reflect on the things you are thankful for: our faith, our health, our family, our friends, our jobs. Smile at the quirks that make living interesting. It is good during the rush of the coming holiday season to start by remembering what truly makes us rich and strong.