Two Years of Gratitude

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Larry1_revised

It was two years ago today that my husband survived a heart attack. I once again find myself filled with gratitude for the paramedics, firefighters and medical personnel who saved Larry’s life. That Friday afternoon after his weekly tennis game, just a day after his beloved mother’s death, is crystal clear in my memory. You can read more about that traumatic day here, as well as my reflections last year on the first anniversary.

“Gratitude” is something I have spent a great deal of time thinking about in recent months. There have been many losses in my life, something one can expect at my age, I suppose. It seems to come down to either celebrating life and experiencing gratitude for its gifts, or dwelling on past and future losses to come.

This has been an enormous task for me, to live in a state of gratitude, and it is something I work on almost daily. I have always been an anxious sort of person and Larry’s heart attack  haunts me. I still hover over him, as I will after this afternoon’s tennis game, even though I know how annoying my behavior must be for him. But my sweet husband is a patient man, and he will tolerate me in his usual kind manner.

We speak of our good luck almost every day as we reflect on our happy life together these past sixteen years.We remain grateful for our good fortune two years ago and will make this our focus today. The firefighters at Station 8 have received their thank-you note and loaded Starbucks card, and the day unfolds ahead of us.

To live in a state of gratitude is my task today, tomorrow and forward into our future, whatever lies ahead.

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31 Responses to Two Years of Gratitude

  1. Jayne February 11, 2013 at 12:24 pm #

    Beautifully written Liz. To be grateful is something we all need to take some time to remember, so often we take life for granted. Lovely picture of Larry! Thinking of you both today.

    • Liz February 11, 2013 at 1:02 pm #

      Thank you, Jayne – the post wrote itself, truly.

  2. Mare February 11, 2013 at 1:07 pm #

    Love to you and love to Larry!

    • Liz February 11, 2013 at 1:29 pm #

      X0 Thanks, Mare –

  3. Lynda - TasteFood February 11, 2013 at 1:54 pm #

    Gosh, I can’t believe it’s been 2 years – that’s wonderful Liz. Best wishes and lots of love to you and to Larry.

    • Liz February 11, 2013 at 1:56 pm #

      Time flies, doesn’t it? Thanks, Lynda –

  4. EA-The Spicy RD February 11, 2013 at 2:04 pm #

    Beautiful post & thanks for sharing an important reminder to us all to be grateful for all we have! I’m sure the firefighters at station 8 love the reminder you send them each year as thanks for helping your husband 🙂 Wishing you both musch happiness!

    • Liz February 11, 2013 at 3:20 pm #

      Thanks so much for your support – it’s been a bit of a long day –

  5. Suzanne February 11, 2013 at 3:06 pm #

    Oh Liz what a beautifully written piece, it is a gentle reminder of how we all should be grateful and cherish those we hold dear. Bless those fire fighters, what would we do without them. I am sure your husband loves and appreciates your”hovering” he is reminded just how much you love and care for him. What a beautiful story and thank God for a happy outcome. Continued good health to you and your wonderful husband.

    • Liz February 11, 2013 at 3:21 pm #

      Yes, we are quite tight with the team at Station 8, even though only one or two of them remain who were in the house that day.

  6. Stephanie, The Recipe Renovator February 11, 2013 at 4:32 pm #

    Thank you for sharing this and please give Larry a hug from us. XOXO

    • Liz February 11, 2013 at 4:39 pm #

      Sure – he’s still playing tennis and I’m staying cool 😉

  7. Carol Sacks February 11, 2013 at 4:41 pm #

    What a heartfelt, poignant post, Liz. Beautifully written.

    • Liz February 11, 2013 at 4:52 pm #

      Carol, thanks – wish we had some of your delicious blood orange cake for dessert tonight 😉

  8. Karen Rush February 11, 2013 at 6:50 pm #

    Yet again a beautiful, thoughtful piece. You are a special being Liz. Thank you.

    • Liz February 11, 2013 at 6:58 pm #

      Karen, I appreciate you every time you comment and you were such a help to me when I was thinking about my target reader. I love keeping in touch.

  9. jacquie February 11, 2013 at 7:11 pm #

    to echo what so many others have said – thank you for a beautifully written and piogant post. gratitude is something i struggle to live in also and reminders such as yours are welcome. I’m so very glad your husband survived and you have had 2 yrs of gratitude since then – may you have at least a few more.

    • Liz February 11, 2013 at 7:49 pm #

      I so appreciate you taking the time to comment, Jacquie –

  10. Averie @ Averie Cooks February 11, 2013 at 8:08 pm #

    Congrats to L for another year going strong! And I love your message and sentiment, Liz. Lately my husband has been really into keeping a gratitude journal and being grateful and your message ties into what we’ve been living and breathing here, too 🙂

    • Liz February 11, 2013 at 9:03 pm #

      Averie, an especial thanks –

  11. Wendy Read February 12, 2013 at 5:14 am #

    Such a touching and heartfelt post Liz. I can’t believe it has been two years, Larry looks fabulous, you took such a wonderful photo of him here. I wish you continued years of perfect health and effortless gratitude my friend.

    • Liz February 12, 2013 at 8:32 am #

      Thank you, Wendy – we are overdue for a catch-up chat on the phone.

  12. Laura @ Family Spice February 12, 2013 at 8:01 am #

    We all need to take time and hug our loved ones. Our time here really is short and I know I appreciate all the wonderful friends I have in my life. Wishing you and Larry many more happy and healthy years together!

  13. Jenny (vintagesugarcube) February 12, 2013 at 11:13 am #

    Liz,
    I am at work, pushing back the tears, but they are good tears. Wonderful post. Muah!

    • Liz February 12, 2013 at 1:34 pm #

      Thanks, Jenny!!!

  14. sippitysup February 14, 2013 at 1:15 pm #

    Gratitude. I think about it a lot. GREG

    • Liz February 14, 2013 at 3:03 pm #

      Me too and I struggle to remain in a state of gratitude – sometimes.

  15. Kim February 16, 2013 at 7:21 pm #

    So very happy to read this, Liz. I do remember your previous posts. So wonderful that Larry is on the mend. May you have many, many years ahead together. 🙂

    [K]

    • Liz February 16, 2013 at 7:47 pm #

      So sweet, dear Kim- thanks X0

  16. The Wimpy Vegetarian February 21, 2013 at 2:35 pm #

    What a beautifully written post from the heart, dear Liz. I’m so grateful for so many things in my life, including our friendship. May you and Larry have many healthy years ahead of you.

    • Liz February 21, 2013 at 2:44 pm #

      Thank you, Susan, I’m so glad we met through food 52!

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