Thanksgiving - Choosing Blessings in the Unexpected

Sorry it took me so long to update, but these surgeries have kicked my butt.  Note that I said "surgeries", as in more than one.  So, the quick laparoscopic, probably 3 days in the hospital surgery was done on October 18th.  My ascending colon (and that pesky cancer) was removed, and later found out the fantastic, awesome, amazing, terrific news that out of 25 lymph nodes removed, NOT ONE had any cancer involvement.

For the twist, I was told this news to cheer me up as I had to go back into the operating room on the 22nd to figure out what ultimately was a small leak in the join and required a midline incision and ileostomy.  Finally, that wound became infected, so is taking a bit longer to heal.

So, after two weeks in the hospital, I have been home for 15 days.  I am still majorly down for the count, but recovering more each day and so grateful for victory over cancer.  God has said yes, no, maybe, wait, and watch, and I am both patient and intensely frustrated with those answers.  But, overall, I am in a good place and forever aware and grateful for the abundance of love and support I continue to be shown.

So, I know that we don't always get what we expect, don't know what to expect or get what we want. And quite frankly, we aren't always guaranteed to want what we thought we wanted.  So, I encourage you this week to think about what it must have been like for two groups of people, the Pilgrims and the Indians (Native Americans), to have their lives interrupted by each other in a big way.  Some of the Colonists and Indians chose to help and befriend each other, to come together each bringing their own strengths and helping the other overcome his weaknesses.  Other settlers warred with those they encountered, demanding their own way and fighting for what they wanted.

What will be your choice for the unexpected situations in your life?  Decide now, because you never know what is going to happen next.

Hugs and many thanks for the surrounding of your prayers.  It has been clearly evident to me that I am lifted up, and it makes all the difference.