Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 33

Providence Park Hospital in Novi, MI

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 32 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful for time spent and confidence built with someone who need to use social media to further her causes and has had trust issues.
2. Grateful for Donna working with me on the getting my door unlocked.
3. Grateful for Jackie calling me about Shirley's worsening condition and hospitalization so I could go visit Shirley and support Bonnie as she keeps vigil.
4. Catching up with Bonnie & Marsha over a hospital cafeteria dinner.
5. Grateful for open, easy and real conversation with Marsha about the importance of women talking about women's sexuality because there is still so much sexism in our culture
6. I am grateful for the pastoral care gifts Spirit continues to express through me. Pastoral care is a favorite part of my work.
7. Grateful for a sweet  telephone conversation with Linda P. on the way to the  hospital which made the drive to Novi fly by quickly.
8. Grateful for the opportunity to visit Providence Park Hospital for the first time.
9. Blessed by the powerful prayer time Bonnie, Marsha, Jackie and I had around Shirley's bed in the hospital room. Sometimes it feels like Spirit could be touched if I reached out my hand.
10. Thankful for an easy drive home last night.
11. Grateful for a wonderful phone call and prayer session with CAthey Jo before her surgery in the morning.

International Childhood Cancer Awarness Day

Today is International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. If you have ever been close to a child who is dealing with cancer then you already know the roller coaster of blessings and heartache that are involved for the entire family.

I am close with a family who have a 4 year old boy named CJ who has been dealing with neuroblastoma for the last 14 months. Watching him lean into (for the most part) each phase of treatment has been a real inspiration for me. This family has grown closer as they have lovingly cared for CJ. There have been moments of amazing sweetness and rejoicing and there have also been heartaches and unbelievable anguish. CJ is still undergoing treatment and we are filled with hope for him.

I invite you to do whatever you can for children who are dealing with cancer: Visit, pray, encourage, provide respite assistance for parents, send money for research to some place like St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or Children's Hospital of Michigan. Above and beyond all else, will you keep your heart open to the people around you?

This too is part of My Heart's Journey!

In Love,

Ric


(c) 2008 by Richard L. Beattie