Gabby Giffords’ story… *
~~~
Did you see the 20/20 Special on Gabby Giffords last week? **
If not, you can watch it now, HERE.
She will inspire you.
Diane Sawyer uses a phrase I love: “…the courage and love you bring when the life you live is not the life you planned.”
Trust me on this one. This is worth your time. Watch this story now.
~~~
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because, at least for one day, we focus on the blessings of our lives.
We express gratitude for all that we have and, at least momentarily, stop wanting more.
Many, many of our neighbors and friends have lost most of what they thought they needed over the past few years. Their journey has been difficult and painful. For some, it has crushed their spirit.
Interestingly, the person I know who most often expresses gratitude for the smallest things in her life also survived a traumatic brain injury.
She lost much of who she was before her injury, and like Gabby, she has worked so hard to reclaim all she can.
We would consider her life miserable for what she can no longer do; she considers herself blessed for what she can.
Do you have health, access to health care, food when you’re hungry, water when you’re thirsty?
Do you have shelter, someplace safe and secure that is your own when you need to escape from storms.
Do you have mobility, the option to walk when you want, the option to drive when and where you want?
Do you have privacy, the gift of being alone when you need it?
Do you have someone who loves you, someone special you can also love so that you’re not alone, not lonely?
What more do we need?
Gratitiude is powerful.
Acknowledge the blessings of your life. Express gratitude for all that you have. Share with those who have less.
Your unseen purpose may be to inspire and bless another.
There are a lot worse ways to live…
*Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope is available at Amazon.
**Ratings for a special edition of 20/20 (13.4 million, 2.8), featuring Diane Sawyer’s interview with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, boosted ABC’s usual performance in the 10 p.m. time slot compared to when crime procedural Castle normally airs. ABC was television’s most-watched network the night this aired.