Thankfulness

A lot has happened since we entered the "-ber" months, a lot for me to be thankful for.

I saw the pulmonary specialist in September and finally got the results of my last bloodwork back. You will recall back last February, this same doctor diagnosed me as having lymphangioleiomyomatosis.  Then in March, COVID19 hit and all my appointments of course were cancelled.  In August I finally had the bloodwork that he had ordered for me then.

Good news!  Seems I do not have some of the other markers that are typically associated with this condition.  And since I am not showing any symptoms (other than the cysts present in my lungs), he feels I may not have this condition after all. He intends to continue monitoring on a six month basis and has instructed me to contact him if anything changes.

So I'm considering this a win for now.

I got my quarterly cortisone shot in my knee in September and although the gap in that joint is paper thin, it is not giving me too much discomfort these days.  Happily, I'm getting outside more than I had been most of the summer, and I'm going for more walks.  I can't begin to describe the impact this has on my sense of wellbeing!  

On a household note, we have finally begun the renovation of our bathroom.  We've been planning this for a long time, but it kept getting pushed ahead for one reason or another.  Well September came and Jenn (and Chad) dove into the project, with me providing technical or meal support.  At the moment, the laundry alcove has been painted and has new flooring.  The old tub and surround are gone and a new step-in shower with sliding glass doors is in place.  And a new comfort height toilet has been installed.  Installing the bathroom vanity, finishing painting and doing trim work will be the last big pieces.  

Then comes the fun part!  Organizing and decorating!  Stuff I can do!  

I'm already in love with the new shower.  It has an integrated seat and a handheld shower head.  It is so bright and has plenty of easily accessible shelves for shower stuff.  And most importantly, it will help us to age-in-place in our home.

Most of the work we've done around here in 2020 has been geared towards making the house more functional, easier to maintain and safer to live in.

And although COVID19 is still with us, my bubble remains small, and I rarely leave my little island, I find I've developed a renewed love for this place I call home.  While I can see the lights of many towns and cities from different places here on Bell Island, I've made very few trips off island this year. Yet, I don't feel like I'm missing out as much as I would have thought.

I've learned to take more joy in everyday things.  My life has a rhythm to it, with daily rituals that remain unhampered. Those in my immediate bubble are very content with each other's company.  We've adapted to our new reality, altered our expectations and are more grateful for what we do have. And I have never paid such close, continuous attention to the details of my immediate surroundings as I do now.

I live a more mindful life now than I ever have before.  And that is something to be truly grateful for.

Belated Thanksgiving wishes from my home to yours.