I spent most of today with my sister at the hospital. Last weekend, while we experienced a camping emergency on the banks of the Loddon River, she had her own drama when she broke her right wrist.
Today I took her back to hospital to have another x-ray and a full cast re-set. The good news was that she may not need surgery. But she’ll need to have the cast on for at least six weeks.
I remarked on how well she’s coping and what a strong resilient attitude she has. There’s little self pity, just an acceptance of “this is how it is” and she’s had to adapt the adage of going slow. But there’s also frustration there and I copped the brunt of it today.
We had a big fight, the details of which I won’t go into here. Misunderstandings and miscommunications can do that, in any family and even in the strongest of relationships. We yelled and swore, cleared the air and eventually we hugged and made up, which was just as well otherwise she would have been walking a very long trip to the hospital!
Today it was all about slowing down and being grateful. Grateful for each other, saying thank you and I love you even through our misunderstandings.
When I was driving home I started thinking about ways that I can slow down.
Stepping outside when things get too much, taking time out to do what I enjoy and not feel guilty, not sweating the small stuff and tying to keep things in perspective.
I’ve been keeping a Gratitude Journal for the past five years. It’s become a dally ritual for me, jotting down things I’m grateful for, just before bed. It’s like a best friend that I check in with at the end of each day. But I admit sometimes when I’ve had a lousy day it can be hard.
Today as I turned a page I was greeted with “I am becoming an Autumn Tree” and it reminded me that, even though none of us are perfect, there’s still plenty of beauty to be found within all of us.
Today in my Gratitude Journal I said thank you for the power of forgiveness and the blessing of family. I’m thankful for the things that intertwine us, the differences that make us all unique and special, even if we don’t always agree. Through this we grow and learn from each other.
I said thank you for the small things in my day, the easy commute in the morning and the fact that my son who is on a survival bush camp had sunshine for the first time this week.
Today and every day may we be thankful for all we have in our life, for the big and the little things, the ordinary and the extraordinary. May we always be thankful for the miracle of our life.
Sharing for Nurturing Thursday – Thank you
Great reflections. The power of forgiveness makes or breaks the joy of holidays! If your son writes, I would love to read a blog about survivor camp!
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What a great idea. I’ll certainly suggest it to him.
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Gratitude journals make us focus on what is real in our lives, and help us just be thankful. ✨
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They absolutely do. I wouldn’t be without one these days.
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Some beautiful reflections Miriam…I hope your sister is doing better now and It’s so wonderful that you have a gratitude journal! I really should try it…
Hugs
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Thanks Divya, it really is worthwhile.
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Thank you for sharing your personal story with us, and the inspiration of your gratitude journal.
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You’re most welcome Chris. Thanks for reading.
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Wishing you and your sister a joyous day!
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Thank you Meg. Wishing you the same.
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I Thank you for always sharing and always quarantee a fabulous read, Have a good day !
Brooke
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Thanks Brooke. You too.
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Oh no, I hope there’s not a third event around the corner. I’m pleased to hear that you and your sister moved on and made up. Best wishes for a restful weekend.
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Thanks Carole and yes, a little less drama would be good right now. You have a lovely weekend too.
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What an appropriate post for here in America as today is Thanksgiving…and you have stated all the wonderful things we should be thankful for. What a lovely poem that Autumn Tree is, that’s what I am becoming too. I’m sorry you and your sister had such a fight but it happens, the best part is you hugged and made up. Sometimes the challenge is realizing what the “small stuff” is! That bird is gorgeous and vibrant in color. As usual a beautiful post that makes us stop, think, and realize what we should be thankful and grateful for!! xo
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Oh, thank you Deb and Happy Thanksgiving to you my dear friend. Although we don’t celebrate it here I consider every day a day to be thankful. My day today has certainly started off with drama and yet lots to be thankful for. Big hugs to you. xo
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Thank you Miri! Yes as we say here…your day started off with a bang! I agree, we do have things to be thankful for every day, no matter how great or small. I receive and return big hugs!! xo
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Awesome! Feeling it here Deb, all the way across the ocean. xo ❤️
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Excellent. We have strong vibes!! 😉 xo
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I’ve always had many fights with my sister. And then we don’t speak and when we do, we just laugh it off. I’ve just accepted it to be a part of sibling dynamics. 🙂 Strangely, my sister (and my brother) still feels so protective of me.
I hope your sister’s hand is healing. It must not be easy with a cast around it.
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It’s not, she does everything with her right hand and it’s practically useless right now. Still, I have little doubt that with her fierce independent streak and stubborn nature she’ll be training her left hand to compensate in no time at all.
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I am sorry for your sister Miriam.. May she recover soon.
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Thanks very much Mann.
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Beautiful, Miriam! I love what you wrote about the power of forgiveness and learning and growing together. Love Love Love xoxoxo Debbie 🙂 Big hugs from LA to you!
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Thanks Debbie. I hope LA is treating you well. Hugs back xo
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It is… Full of service opportunities (which I love) and good friends (which I love too). Thank you so much Miriam. I hope you are doing well also. Sending much love to you xo from my heart to yours
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Thank you, that’s great to hear Debbie. I’m doing well, it was my sisters birthday today and a lovely day spent together. Hugs to you xo
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That’s awesome, Miriam! Happy birthday to your sister 😊
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Thanks Debbie ❤️😊
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And lots of love to you both! Xo
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And back xo
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Happy Thanksgiving Miriam! (even if we live in countries that do not celebrate this holiday! 🙂
Aww… your post reminded me of my sister. How we disagree, fight, and be a pain the neck at each other (especially when we’re in college). But at the end of the day, we know we love each other very much! I hope she’s doing okay despite her broken wrist.
I agree that sometimes it’s difficult to look for things to be grateful for when we have had a busy or overwhelming day- but I guess being able to survive that day is one thing we could certainly be grateful for!
Have a great stress-free day Miriam! 🙂
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Thanks so much Nina and yeah I agree, for all our disagreements at the end of the day we have others backs. It’s actually her birthday today so I’m looking forward to helping her celebrate, despite her broken wrist. Have s lovely weekend yourself. zoo
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Oh wow, happy birthday to her! I hope you all have fun celebrating! 🙂
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Thanks Nina. It’s been a nice day.
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absolutely beautiful! love the journal and best wishes for you and your sister.
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Thanks so much.
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How beautiful, Miriam. I’m glad you and your sis cleared the air! Btw, that is one gorgeous bird!
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Thanks Diane, me too. And yeah, those gorgeous birds are frequent visitors.
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Love all your photos!
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I loved that poem! I’m sorry you and your sister had a fight, but also feel it’s perfectly normal to have disputes with those we are closest to, especially during stressful times. And as long as we make up in the end, it can actually be a good thing! Thanks for being you, Miriam…. I think you help more people than you realize!
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What a nice thing to say Ann, I guess I am just being myself, warts and all. If I can help someone along the way so much the better. Yes, it’s good we made up, it’s her birthday today and I’ve got a few things planned for her, broken wrist and all. Have a lovely weekend my friend. xo
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Beautiful post, Miriam! I had a rough week and reading this makes me feel even better about sticking to the attitude to always find something positive in each and every day no matter what. xoxo
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Sorry you had a rough week Sandra. I hope your weekend is smoother and the week ahead a much better one. Take care. xo
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😘
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Nice post, I liked your “I am becoming an Autumn Tree”.
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Thank you my friend.
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It is probably to your benefit that you have a sibling to interact with, for both the good and the not so good times. I am an only child, and I have often spoke of what I would be like if I had had a brother or sister. I think I turned out alright,(just my opinion), but I will never really know. This road through life seems to have its share of potholes. The trick is to navigate through them and come out the other end knowing you did the right thing. Glad you made up. Hugs work every time. I am sure your sister will do just fine. OK, I have rambled enough. Thank you for your words and pics. Cheers.
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You’re hardly rambling Dan. I can’t imagine what I would have been like as an only child. I guess it’s not something I thought about while growing up but now I realise how blessed I am to have a sister and a brother, even though we’re so different. You’re right about navigating through those potholes, they’re a challenge but it certainly makes the journey interesting, that’s for sure. Take care and enjoy your weekend. Cheers.
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Beautiful post Miriam, gratitude and forgiveness! Love the pages of you journal.
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Thank you Elizabeth! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend.
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We are not whole when we are in pain. It puts stress on people. It’s good to hear you got everything clear and things in perspective. Best wishes to both of you!
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Thank you Paula, you’re quite right. I hope you’re having a good week.
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“Thankful” is a great place to live. ❤️
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It is Jess, as you’re well aware ❤️
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Yes ma’am!
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