I Won't Take These 3 Things For Granted

I fell one chilly winter day after slipping on black ice. Despite being well-bundled and having my large coat act as a cushion during the fall, I still hurt my back. Later that day, when I found myself in the accident and emergency department of my neighborhood hospital, I realized just how awful it was.

Despite my excruciating discomfort, I thought a prescription for a potent painkiller would take care of it. I requested a pal pick me up in two hours over the phone.

I remained at the hospital for another four hours. I had seen a number of physicians. All had departed with glum expressions and sympathetic headshakes. None of them explained what was happening to me.

The only response I got was, "We just need to run one more test." I'd previously visited the X-ray section. What else may be off?

I had to wait another four hours before I was given crutches and the much-needed painkillers, and I was then sent home. I distinctly recall doubting my ability to walk ever again.

Since that occurrence, 11 years have passed. Thank God, I totally healed, and I now like running a lot. Since that time, I've experienced several near-death experiences. They have helped me become more self-aware and to see and be grateful for all of my blessings, no matter how minor.

Good Health

I am grateful for good health. I will never take it for granted. The ability to move independently is so precious when you know what it's like to be unable to do so.

We take simple things like brushing our teeth, showering and eating for granted until we are unable to do so by ourselves. I woke up one morning unable to use any part of the right side of my body. My right knee was the size of a tennis ball, my right hip felt out of place, I couldn’t lift my right arm without experiencing excruciating pain. None of the drugs the doctor prescribed worked.

I was offered the option of having a steroid injection. The doctor warned me that there was no guarantee it would work. He warned me of other risk factors. As if to mock me he added that I would never regain the full use of my limbs. I cried.

A miracle happened because the steroid injection worked. I was ecstatic. I was warned not to celebrate too much as the effects would wear off and I would have to return for another dose but I would have to wait for at least two years.

I never needed the second dose. Everyday I am grateful for good health.

The Love and Support of Friends

You never know who your real friends are until your life hits a pothole. You never know who truly loves and cares for you until you have nothing.

My first experience of being shunned and rejected by people I thought cared came as a shock. They were people who had always been there for me during hard times. I was facing a minor setback but it was "too much" for them to handle.

I couldn’t figure out why this happened until I realised the reason. They erroneously believed I would never be able to return the favour. I saw their true colours, washed my hands off them and moved on.

Strangely enough, I was able to recognise genuine friends who loved me unconditionally. I have never been more grateful. Being loved and accepted for who I am and not what people can use me for is liberating.

I am grateful for the love and support of true friends.

The Gift of Life

I woke up one morning feeling satisfied with life. I had accomplished a big goal and was ready to celebrate my good news with the world. I decided to check my emails first.

An unfamiliar sender’s address caught my attention so I clicked on it. If it was a phishing email I would delete it without clicking on the link. They always have a link, don’t they?

This particular email contained no links but had a crying emoji. My heart started racing. I knew then that something was terribly wrong. I was right. A family member had their life brutally taken away.

It was a stark reminder that each day you wake up alive is a gift and an opportunity to begin again. You get to start on a clean slate every single day. Life is a gift which can be taken away any time.

That’s why I no longer focus on past mistakes or what went wrong in my life before. Someone once said - Stop living in the past. It has nothing new to say to you. You take the lessons learnt and move on whilst appreciating the gift of life.

I value and appreciate health, the love and support of true friends and most importantly, the gift of life.

Life, as we know it, can change in an instant.