Friday, September 03, 2010

Gratitude Through an Owie

Welcome! This is an edition of Friday Fave Five, a weekly event focused on thankfulness for the little things in our lives.  Susanne hosts FFF on her blog Living To Tell The Story.  Click on the link to go over there and see what it's all about.

I sprained my left ankle.  It swelled remarkably.  It turned purple.  But there is a silver lining in this purple cloud of pain.  How could I be thankful for a sprained ankle?  Let me count the ways!

1. I stayed home most of the week and when I did venture out I was 'dropped at the door' by thoughtful drivers so the distance I limped was shorter. 

2. Other people did the driving.

3. Because three adult children were around over the weekend, I didn't do any dishes.

4. I am certainly glad that before any of my children left for college and adulthood, I made sure they knew how to do laundry, clean and cook.  The Grad Student has turned in to a passable cook.  He's actually quite good, but I don't want to brag here.  One evening he cooked up an excellent curried lentil soup.  Another night, the main course was vegetarian curry with coconut milk.  He also cleaned up after dinner.

5. Because I sat around the house with my foot elevated, resting on an ice pack, I put in a lot of hours on school preparation.  The year's lesson plans are finished.  Of course, teachers all know that plans are tweaked as we go, but my basic outlines for the writing classes I'll be teaching are ready to scroll.

*6. I've learned the value of ice packs (see #4)  for swelling and have become acquainted with the benefits of ace bandages.

*7. I do not take my ability to walk for granted anymore.  I appreciate every step!

I'm pleased to report that although I won't be running in any 5K races this weekend, I am up and around and even able to stand and photocopy my completed lessons.

What are you thankful for this week?

*bonus points :)

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hurrah for your fives. Think how you've blessed so many other people with #4 :-)

And glad to hear that you are healing up well.

Jerralea said...

Good for you to be looking for the silver lining in your purple cloud of pain. (Very poetic, I like your style!)

Glad your family rallied around and filled in the gap for you this weekend.

I know it has to be an awesome feeling to have your lesson plans done!

Karen said...

Great list! I guess if there's an upside to injuries and illness, it's the gratitude we feel for our health when it returns. Don't you wish we could learn to slow down without being forced to do so? I do!

Kathie said...

So glad to know that you're on the mend!

ellen b. said...

Oh no so sorry you sprained your ankle but so glad you got so much accomplished with your foot up!!
Well done Willow.
That's great that you were pampered, too.

Carrie said...

;D I like your bonus points!

I love how you found things to be thankful for, even in the midst of what could have otherwise been a completely frustrating experience!

And heh heh...my word verification for this comment is: "swelly." Fitting, I'd say!

TXDidi said...

Ouch! Hope that sprained ankle is healing nicely. It's wonderful having children that can now pamper US, isn't it? And anything with curry and coconut milk is pampering indeed.

Caroline said...

Oh! So sorry to hear you've started the school year with an "owie," but love your positive outlook. And, I'm thinking how good curried lentil soup sounds!

Brenda said...

Is the grad student a vegetarian? Both of his meals sound pretty amazing. My son is a much better cook than my daughter.

Hope you heal quickly and can be hobbling around soon

momma24 said...

I'm glad you are getting better! What a blessing to have your children helping out.

msdewberry said...

There is always good that comes out of the bad isn't there!! And a much needed rest you got as well!

Sharon Lynne said...

I loved your positive spin. It's so nice not to cook and do dishes!!

I'm glad you got those lesson plans done.

I hope the foot heals soon, don't rush it...be careful.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

I'm soo sorry about the sprained ankle...but thankful that you have such a wonderful family!!!! You have such a fantastic attitude as well! Love that! Have missed visiting you while I was away...so glad to be back!! Sending you much love, Janine XO

Flower said...

So sorry to hear about the ankle..what a pain!! I'm glad you are feeling better.
I am grateful for Jim returning home safely after another long road trip. Grateful for my kids and their babies! Good food....cooler weather and even a little rain.

Susanne said...

Looks like your family has picked up the reins for you very nicely. May your ankle heal up quickly.

The grad student wouldn't want to share his curry lentil soup recipe? Sounds delicious.

Jientje said...

You turned something painful like a sprained ankle into a blessing! Only positive minds can do that. I hope you'll have a great weekend Willow!

Bethany said...

Oh no! I hope you're feeling better!!! I did that 5 years ago and it drove me crazy to not be able to move around like I wanted. You have the right attitude! I will say a prayer for quick healing!! (Your son's food sounds delicious too!)

Laura@OutnumberedMom said...

Wow, I'm sorry about your ankle, but glad the week turned into such a blessing anyway. God has a way of doing that...

Hope next week just finds you stronger. Take care.

Faith said...

awesome list.....hope your foot is feeling better soon!

How awesome that your son could cook for you! and thank GOD for adult children who do dishes...I am training my 17 and 11 yr olds to cook, clean well, manage money and do laundry/etc.
Have a blessed weekend!

Dorothy said...

I'm glad your ankle is already on the mend, Willow, but sure did appreciate your list of "purple lining" to it.

Beatriz said...

Ouch! Sorry to hear about the sprained ankle. And so glad you're getting better.

Tracy said...

#4 sounds so good, Willow... and thanks goodness for family! Hope very much your ankle will be on the mend soon... ((HUGS))

Marg said...

It's always fun to stop by...but not fun to hear of an injury. It sounds like it's healing...
Yea on all those school lessons prepared. That's a huge success.
It won't take long and you'll be out walking...again.
I was surprised that you did not say you were knitting.

Z said...

I was in the hospital last week, and I am thankful to be out.

Sorry to hear about your ankle.

Heather Ozee said...

Feel better love!

Cindy said...

Life has a way of holding us up for a few days of rest. Yaaaaa! who likes dishes.

Your #4 will pay off.
Have a great week