Giving Thanks

I’m thankful for the superpower that I shared with my mother, Ruth, and son, Mike – accepting what is.

I’m thankful that I was born a  white straight male to a closeted gay dad, Ruben, and a Holocaust survivor, Ruth – I appreciate that I have first world problems and learned from them that I must act to better the world.

I’m thankful that my best friend is my life partner and care partner – I strive to be equal to her love.

I’m thankful for my extended family, characters all.

I’m thankful for a 40+ year career as a nurse – privileged to serving during people’s most vulnerable moments.

I’m thankful that I was invited to join my grandmother, mother, and son during their end-of-life journeys.

I’m thankful that my grown sons love the strong women they married, revel in fatherhood, and contribute to community well-being – they keep me honest.

I’m thankful for my grandsons – OMG, what can I say?!

I’m thankful that this swiss cheese brain can still learn.

I’m thankful for my mentors. They valued, informed, and trusted me; then let me go.

I’m thankful for my health team that joins me in this experiment of one. I lead a bright, caring, and communicative group that listen to and respects my life choices and goals. They help me be as healthy as a person with Multiple Sclerosis can be.

I’m thankful for the many teams in my career as a clinician, leader, and advocate. Passion, brains, humor, and affection make meaningful, heart-rendering work a gas.

I’m thankful for my pathological optimism.

I’m thankful for playing music. I’m really good at my work, not so much music. Keeps me humble.

I’m thankful for Michelle Obama, a person I could follow.

I’m thankful for you, my readers. You inspire me. I work for you.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash