Thursday, June 16, 2011

What Have I Learned Today?

This was one of those days that made me kick myself in the butt (no easy feat) for ever being the least bit unappreciative when it comes to acknowledging how very fortunate I am and what a blessed life I have.

I spent time the first half of the day with a very, very good friend who is facing cancer surgery. She's such a wonderful person and I always feel uplifted after spending time with her. Yes, even right now when she's working through this rough and tough period. Lordy, lordy, if I could only cultivate the positive, fun-loving attitude she always has. Even on the rare occasions when she shares something about someone or something that is less than pleasant, she has a way of putting a positive or humorous spin on it and never comes across as mad or grumpy or negative. I firmly believe a good attitude can take you through a whole lot of deep doo-doo, and there's no doubt my friend has what it takes. She's going to get over this nasty bump in the road with flying colors.

This afternoon was filled with cooking and baking to help feed a family in distress. Sure, it's only food but along with a couple other basics in life we all need it to keep going and sometimes there's nothing else you can do when you can't wave your magic wand full of pixie dust and make it all better.

It was a good day. In a small way I helped people I care about, but I also got a shake-up/wake-up call in the form of renewed gratitude for the peace and prosperity of my home and relationships, and much appreciation for the health and well-being I possess.

20 comments:

Patty said...

:) Very nice! A bit of thankfulness can sure change our perspective. I'm sure the family you were baking for enjoyed it imensely! Anything baked by you would be a huge treat!

Leigh said...

Great post. We so often get caught up with life and forget to count our blessings. I agree with you so much about attitude. That's one I'm really working on.

Dirt Lover said...

Well said. Amen.
~~Lori

Erin said...

I'm sure they appreciated your kindness more than you know. Hearing things like this sure puts my problems in perspective, I am truly blessed as well. I hope everything goes as smoothly as it can with such a terrible time in your friend's life. You are both lucky to have each other.

Sparkless said...

If we could all have people as giving and kind as you in our lives Mama Pea life would be much brighter. And your post reminds me to count my blessing also, so thank you!

Anonymous said...

I often forget that even when things are rough, they could be worse. I bet your time spent with your friend this morning helped her as much as she helped you.

judy said...

YOUR RIGHT ABOUT ATTITUDES,IT IS PRACTICALLY EVERYTHING!WE ARE HAVING A EPISODE IN OUR FAMILY AS WELL. WE COMMUNICATE THROUGH WHAT IS CALLED THE CARING BRIDGE. SINCE MY SISTER-LAW IS GOING THROUGH CHEMO-EVERYONE HAS TO BE SO CAREFUL NOT TO BRING ANY ILLNESS
S TO HER. ON THE SITE-THE JOURNAL TELLS US IF SHE IS HAVING A GOOD DAY OR BAD DAY. EVERYONE RESPONDS WITH WELL WISHES AND JOKES. SHE LOVES JOKES. BUT I BET NOTHING BRINGS HOME THAT PERSONAL TOUCH LIKE YOU DO.

Jane @ Hard Work Homestead said...

So true.Sending good thoughts to your friend that everything turns out fine.

Mama Pea said...

Patty - You're too kind. A lot of good food comes out of your house, too!

Leigh - Attitude is something I work on constantly. But I may be gaining a little bit. My dear husband told me last night that he appreciates the "great attitude and positive outlook" I've had lately. Wow. There may be hope for me! (Or wait. Am I usually reeeally bad??)

Lori - Yup, we all need that knock upside the head now and then. :o}

Erin - Hey, Girlfriend, it may not be the same, but you have every right to find looking for the silver lining a little murky right now.

Mama Pea said...

Sparkless - Thank you for your kind words, but I've only done what any of you would do in the same circumstances. I know that.

Ruth - I find myself feeling very selfish when I get so wrapped up in my own little (insignificant) problems. Knowing of folks who are near and dear to me in situations that are sooo much worse than anything I'm dealing with . . . well, I can't help but feel like an ungrateful twit.

judy - Well, I'm a good listener and can cook and bake so if that helps anyone, I'm more than willing. It's a small thing to do.

Jane - Thanks so much, Jane. She's gonna be fine, I just know it.

odiie said...

Wonderful post. A new perspective is needed from time to time. It's about time for me.

Mama Pea said...

odiie - Thank you. And, yep, we all need that bonk on the head to bring on the new perspective periodically. We need it and it's good for us.

Chicken Mama said...

Mama Pea is a fantastically, wonderful, will-drop-what-she's-doing-to-help-even-tho-it-will-mean-losing-her-day person. It's as simple as that. I dunno how she does it, but within hours of my phone call to "man the battle stations!", she had a huge VAT of minestrone soup made, flaky biscuits fresh out of the oven (complete with wrapped stick of dairy-fresh butter), a massive batch of blueberry-raspberry muffins made and beautifully packaged, no-return-necessary tupperwares packed for the excess soup, a quart of homemade strawberry jam DECORATED and wrapped, and loving card written & included. And all made with only the best of organic ingredients. And a lot of love from both her & Papa Pea. She's a rock star.

Mama Pea said...

Chickie Mama - Damn. I just put on mascara and now look what you've done.

Chicken Mama said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Chicken Mama said...

Oops, I must have fat-fingered it: my comment posted twice.

Susan said...

We all need a good dose of boot straps now and again. I think sharing food that you have made (and deliciously, I am sure) is such a comfort for friends and strangers alike. I have a lovely friend as well (one of those beautiful inside/outside people) who is facing terrible hardship. Thanks for giving us that little push we need to make us realize how lucky we are.

Mama Pea said...

Susan - But don't some of these happenings make you wonder why anyone enters into relationships at all? Sigh. They can go soooo wrong.

The Apple Pie Gal said...

I will say a prayer for you friend. My Dad has always told us kids it's all how you look at things, stay positive and above all have a sense of humor because laughter really, truly is good medicine.

You are very kind to help others. I would expect nothing less from the lovely lady that you are!

Mama Pea said...

APG - When hubby was teaching and his kids would come to him with a problem, he'd always ask them, "Is this a mountain or a mole hill?" In life, even some mountains can be made less with laughter and a (maybe quirky) sense of humor! Darn good advice, APG!