It's The Little Things That Give So Much

This week has been a week of doctor's appointments and today was no different.

The doctor I am under the care of is an amazing man, who I admire and respect so much.

The most amazing thing about him is he LISTENS to me, honestly listens and respects my opinions.

Like he said he can only offer advice and suggestions but I am the one who has to live with the choices. Remarkable!

For many reasons too many to go into I am not under any treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis at this time, and not because I don't need to be.

I shared with him the amazing time I had doing This AS Life with Dan Reynolds, the heartache of Hurricane Harvey and the honor of winning Outstanding Volunteer Award.

I am curious to see what the next six months bring medically.

I decided to stop at the post office on the way home, I need to get my life back in order.

There was a package for me, an unexpected package. I tell you the people in the Ankylosing Spondylitis community are so kind, generous and loving.

I didn't check to see who it was from I wanted to hold on to the suspense a little longer.

The card was so precious! It was covered with six little kitten stickers to represent her cats. My household has consisted of six dogs for several years until this year now I am up to seven.

Isn't that just precious! The card was filled with so much love that there was not a blank space on it!
My favorite way to send a card and receive one!
It was so touching and so loving, such a thoughtful gift from such a thoughtful person. Janelle is one of the most compassionate and loving people I have been blessed to know.

Then I peeked inside and found what I needed the most during this time of my life, love.

This past year has been difficult and I have lost faith in almost everything including myself, she must have sensed it because she sent me some.

I have been struggling with being hopeful and hopeless this year, I have been in such a dark place that the only light shining from me is about as strong as a dying ember from a fire, but now I have a reminder to never lose hope.

They are so beautiful and precious and I am looking for the perfect spot to hang them.

I am so lucky that I have been blessed with such amazing friends in my life.
Life is ironic really one of the hardest things  I have to deal with is Ankylosing Spondylitis and in turn, it has given me some the best gifts of my life.

Today I am grateful that I have love in my life, I am grateful that no matter what life brings I have the faith to continue living and I am most grateful for the hope people share with me when I am in that dark place of hopelessness.