Thursday, November 25, 2010

What I'm Thankful For

After having narrowly averted a heart attack last Saturday (but with a stent put in one of my arteries which was almost completely blocked), I have a lot to be thankful for this holiday.

1. My heart. It may have a stent implanted in it, a leaky valve and other assorted problems my doctors and I now have to continue to watch out for, but hey, it's still tickin' and for that, I'm very grateful.

2. Bruce. My partner in life, light of my life, my everything. Oh, it's so good to have someone by your side and taking selfless good care of you when something like this happens (and even when something like this doesn't). I love and treasure my man and don't know how I got so lucky...so I'm really thankful we found each other eight years ago.

3. Nick. My son, who has always been the "creation" I'm most proud of (although he is most certainly his own man), stood by me during this difficult time with humor, compassion, and warmth that made its way to me all the way from Montreal.

4. Susan and Melissa. My big sister and little sister, respectively. Thank you both so much for calling every day and for the concern and love you sent across the miles. You may be all that's left of my immediate family, but you're all I need.

5. Lily. Yes, she's a dog. But her joy at seeing me when I came home from the hospital was indescribable. The love in those big brown eyes is more healing balm than all those medications they sent me home from the hospital with.

6. Venus and Chandra. My good friends in Chicago, who have become real family to me and show it constantly, even though we have been apart now for four years.

7. Verniqua. My best friend in Seattle...his very presence at the hospital demonstrated so much.

8. You. I was overwhelmed by the messages, the tweets, the flowers, the cards, and all the concern so many of you showed me over these past few days. I am truly grateful that all of you are out there, whether I have met you in person or only virtually, you're kindness means more to me than I can put into words.

I wish all of you the happiest of Thanksgivings...and want to express my gratitude and love to each and every one of you, from the bottom of my damaged little heart.
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24 comments:

  1. And we're so thankful for your good health and the healing power of positive vibes, Rick! Stick around awhile ~ we need more wonderful Rick Reed novels to review! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family, buddy!

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  2. And now I am even more grateful for the Reed novella awaiting my afternoon of blessed silence and solitude. Many thanks, Rick!

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  3. Take care of yourself, Rick Reed, and enjoy this very special Thanksgiving!
    Here's a toast to YOU!

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  4. This was such a heartfelt message. You truly are blessed and we are blessed for your amazing talents
    Happy Thanksgiving to you, Bruce and Lily.

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  5. I'm so glad it didn't happen, Rick! Have a Happy Thanksgiving, both of you.

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  6. So glad you're okay, Rick! Yes, health is number one but partners and friends are great too. I almost lost my husband to a heart attack when he was 39! I still have him, thank God, and he's made me laugh for 41 years. Big hugs from snowy Coos Bay.
    Carlene

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  7. Happy Thanksgiving, Rick. So glad you're doing better. Take care of yourself and stay warm!

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  8. Wishing you and the family a truly blessed day.

    Hugs

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  9. The Great Writer in the Sky took a look and saw that you need some extra time. That happened to me when I had the stroke, I was sure it was over, but he came and showed the stubborn me who's the boss. I write every day and smile very gratefully. We don't live forever, be happy with what you're given, it's there for a reason.

    Happy Thanksgiving! I'm sure you have a lot to be grateful for...

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  10. Happy to hear you're home and on the mend, Rick. A happy holiday indeed!

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  11. Rick
    I had no idea sweetcheeks that you were in the hospital. Hope you're feeling a lot better now so that you will soon be able to poke fun at all of us. Take care of yourself - your online and RL friends all love you and wish you the best of health.

    *Hugs*

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  12. Thank God you're okay. Hugs and Blessings.

    Chris

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  13. Rick, I'm so glad you're recovering well, and that you have Bruce and your family and friends to help you! The world would be a much poorer place without you, and I'm thankful today to still have a happy and healthy Rick Reed around :)
    **big hugs**

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  14. Very nice post, RIck. Makes me go down my own list of thankfuls. Hope you are out of the hospital and are able to spend the day with loved ones. Continue getting stronger.

    alan chin

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  15. So glad to hear that you are home and healing.

    ~smooches~
    Jase

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  16. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Rick! Very glad that you're doing so well.

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  17. We are so thankful that you are home and on the mend. We would be MORE thankful if you and Bruce and Lily were here with us, as Thanksgiving just aint right without you! You have been in our thoughts every minute and you are in our hearts always and forever! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!
    Venus, Chandra, Velvet, Pashmina & Brandee

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  18. May you and your exceptional writing be with us for many years yet to come!

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  19. Rick, you have more books to write, more stories to tell. May your ticker keep on ticking for many years to come, as you enjoy life with new eyes, having come so close to losing it. Have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday season, surrounded by the warm, fuzzy blanket of love that your friends will surround you with.

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  20. So glad you're home and on the mend, I'm grateful for all the things that made that possible! All my best to you and your family this Thanksgiving and always,

    ZAM

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  21. I know you'll have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Now remember to take care of yourself.

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  22. Thank you all! I am lucky to have each and every one of you in my life!

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  23. Happy Thanksgiving, Rick, gobble gobble!

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  24. Good that you are still amongst the living, friend. Life doesn't seem so precious until we either lose or nearly lose someone we care about or come face on with our own mortality! Friends, family and the furkids--that's what it's all about when you get down to the reality of it. And I am thankful for much the same things you are--plus the creative to share our stories! That is a blessing too.
    Deirdre

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