GRATITUDE

[schlomo]

Gratitude

Recently I spent a couple of dreary days in the hospital because of blood clot concerns. If I happened to look through my bedside window, the most that I could see were the drab facings of adjacent medical buildings.

After I was released, I entered the valet parking area.  While waiting for my car to arrive, I gazed up. What an inspiration! Overarching trees with glistening leaves that I hadn’t noticed before beckoned to me as if they were celebrating my recovery. It was a canopy of comfort.

Later that day, I had lunch at the oceanfront Waikiki Elks Club. Before I had a chance to sit down, I was mesmerized by the wind-driven foaming waves, the bobbing and bucking multicolored sail boats, and the majestic cruise ships in the distance. I have always enjoyed this tableau; but it had special meaning for me after I left the confines of the hospital.

Now that I am medically stable, I appreciate even more than ever the sensuous delights that nature offers me every day in Hawaii.

I am convinced that having and expressing gratitude is one of the legacies that my recently deceased 101-year-old “adopted” mum has transmitted to me. Every day that she managed to wake up was a blessing to her, regardless of how painfully her body had deteriorated.

I take many pills for my numerous medical problems. But what is equally important is the daily mega-dose of gratitude that I internalize for my own well-being.