Being Thankful

Being Thankful
By Connie Hertz

 

I think about what I’m thankful for everyday.
I write in a Gratitude Journal every morning as I’m beginning my day.
I think about the things I’m thankful for as I’m going to sleep each night as well.

 

On Thanksgiving evening, while in Toledo, Ohio with my family, I received a call from Hale, my boyfriend, that my cat Hendrix, back here in Minnesota, was lethargic and barely moving.

 

I knew he wasn’t feeling well, and I was so glad Hale was there for him. The photo here is of Hendrix in the summer on my deck, relaxing in the sunshine! One of his favorite things to do.

 

When Hale took Hendrix to the emergency vet clinic, I knew he’d need IV’s for dehydration.
I’m so very thankful for Hale and how much he loves Hendrix, and that he was here in Minnesota and able to take him to the emergency clinic and stay with him as long as was needed.

 

I didn’t expect what the doctor at this clinic said to me though. She said Hendrix was critical and she suspected after looking at his blood work, he had internal bleeding and cancer. She suggested I put him to sleep that night.

 

Of course I was a sobbing mess when I heard this. I spoke to my son, Adam and my daughter Abby, and they both said, do not put him to sleep now, wait until I can fly home and take him to our regular vet the next day. Have the emergency clinic give him IV’s and keep him alive until I could get back to him.

 

I’m thankful my daughter Abby and her husband, Chris were here in Minnesota with her dad and family for Thanksgiving, and they came to pick me up at the airport and stay with me at the vet and then bring me home with Hendrix later on. They were great support for me during this scary time.

 

As it all turned out, this is the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and Hendrix is eating great today, drinking water, using his liter box and meowing and purring and walking around our home! It looks like he had a kidney infection.

 

I am so thankful I didn’t not listen to this “expert” and put him to sleep that night! I’ll take Hendrix back to our vet this week for a re-check.

 

I am also thankful I got to spend the time I did with my parents and my siblings and their kids and grand kids, while back in Toledo for Thanksgiving.

 

You see, I’m the second of five children, and family is so important to me. I have lived away from Toledo now since December of 1981, 32 years now. I’m the only child that moved away from the area.

 

I stay in contact with everyone regularly.

 

My son Adam, his wife Laura and their baby daughter, Livi, all live here in Minnesota. Abby and Chris live in New York.

 

My parents taught me that family is very important, and also, being there for each other was something you did.

 

I am thankful for my great health and body, and I that I chose to take care of myself consciously now for 32 years.

 

I’m thankful for my four friends I have and have had since childhood, Debbie, Donna, Sharon, Jeanne and many others over the years. I’m so thankful for all of my friends and connections on Face Book. I love how FB helps me stay connected to so many people! I can support them through my comments and my “Likes” and they do the same for me.

 

What are you thankful for? Do you think about it everyday?

 

If not, begin writing down a few things each day you are thankful for, and as you close your eyes every night, think about what you were thankful for that day!

 

I guarantee you will love and enjoy your life a whole lot more!

 

Love and blessings to you and your families!
Connie