Thankfulness

Having recently been in a bad car accident that totaled my Jeep and sent my mom and aunt to the hospital, I feel almost as if I have another chance in life to do things right.

First of all, I'm incredibly thankful that no one was seriously injured and that I escaped relatively unscathed, and other than some bruising, I was fine.  I wish I could say the same for my mom who had several ribs broken :(  I'd like to extend kudos to the Vancouver Police department, particularly Constable Mark Brady, who went well beyond the call of duty ensuring my family was okay at the hospital and in tracking me down at the baptism of my Goddaughter later that morning.  Kudos also to the fire and ambulance services, who were kind, professional and prompt.  I can't say I EVER want to be in another accident like this again, however if it did, I'd want it to occur in Vancouver where I'd be in good hands.

Since that time I've made a conscious effort to be fully present, and appreciate the moment.  It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day busyness of ordinary life that well, life, can just kind of happen and you find another year has gone by without notice.   Have I accomplished what I set out to?  Made a difference?  Made the world a better place?  Not enough.  There's so much I want to do that I wish I had a Time Turner like Hermione in Harry Potter.

It's also given me pause to appreciate what I have to be thankful for and accordingly I thought I'd compile a top ten list :)

• loving family, with relatives I enjoy spending time with
• considerate, intelligent, fun friends
• a new relationship with a man who rocks my world
• safe and stable country
• bountiful land that produces great food and wine
• clean and beautiful environment
• good health
• a good job with colleagues who are a pleasure to work with
• two great yet very different homes
• seatbelts and airbags

More to come...

Comments

[broadus]

I am glad to hear that you made it through this relatively unscathed. I was a police officer in my former life and I can definitely understand the how an accident of this nature can cause you to step and assess what is going on in your life. I have been studying Zen for the last two years and recently listened to the Secret just to reinforce in my mind how important it is to live your life as if it were your last, with passion and love...

glad you are ok-

B

[Lori Lynn]

Thanks for the kind words Broadus! I totally agree with living life to the fullest :) Carpe diem, no?

[Mother]

Just want to add my thanks to the "powers that be" for protecting us from disaster in our car accident September 16th. My lesson to be learned from this is to enjoy the moment, plan ahead and live accordingly.
Love Mum

[Auntie C (in accident also)]

I too am questioning the reasoning behind my being saved on that Sunday morning....I have to strike out and make a difference in something or somebody.....I am waiting for a clear vision as to what it is. Great article Lori on "thankfulness".