Thankful Thursday

It’s thankful Thursday!

This week has been tough which I guess makes it all the more important for me to reflect on the many things I am thankful for this Thursday. Among back spasms, a twisted spine, medical bills and a host of other worries, I know there’s still so much to be thankful for and so much to appreciate.

This Thursday I’m thankful for:

1. My Dearest Friend Tiff: I’ve known Tiff since I moved to Crested Butte, as we used to be neighbors in a ramshackle, dilapidated, 1970s-era condo complex with robin-egg blue paint peeling off the rotten wood siding and snowdrifts that would block all the building’s exits save one in the winter. We also attended the same college, though we never attended the same classes. That was five years ago, and time has gone by as it has a habit of doing, we’ve still remained close. Even our babies–mine a surprise–were born within four months of each other and they’re becoming friends too. My little guy becomes excited when he hears his friend Mikayla (”Lala” in Solas speak) is coming over. A few weeks ago they even skied together for the first time. Tiff and her husband arrived at the hospital, books, yoga mags and good cheer in tow, and she even dropped off a package of fun snacks and FT-chocolate for me when I was finally at home. She was even sweet enough to post here on my behalf a few days ago, so that all my online buddies would get a heads up about my disappearance from the blogosphere and message boards. I am so thankful for knowing her and I deeply value her friendship. There’s nothing like a good friend.
2. A Thriving Alternative Health Community: With Crested Butte Mind Spirit Body and a very health-minded community, I know that I’m in good hands–the hands of friends. Reiki, acupuncture, massage, homeopathic care and so many other alternatives are available to me in addition to conventional medicine. I’m thankful that I need not rely solely on conventional medicine to heal my back and prevent future injury, and I’m deeply thankful that I do not have to go far to seek out alternatives.
3. Valium and Fentanyl: I’m thankful for valium and fentanyl because they make you loopy as hell when you’re hurt.
4. Dr. Hale’s Research on Lactational Pharmacology: Dr. Thomas Hale, author of Medications and Mother’s Milk, is the expert on lactational pharmacology, and–suprise, surprise–most medications are compatible with breastfeeding though many doctors are wary to treat breastfeeding mothers. I’m thankful that he’s doing the research he is doing and that many doctors are now referring to his work rather than recommending the old pump and dump or–worse yet–unnecessary weaning because of supposedly incompatible maternal medication requirements.
5. A Graco Jogging Stroller: I’ve slung my wee-boy since the early days, and though we’ve only used his stroller once in 18 months–preferring instead to keep him close to us, I’m thankful we have a stroller as I fear my toddler-slinging days are done. It’s about time we dig that jogger out of the closet and put it to use to save my back. I sure will miss slinging him though.

I wish I could say I’m thankful for a hurt back, but, frankly, I’m not quite there yet. Maybe I’ll realize the lesson I’m supposed to learn and you’ll see me mention it in a future Thankful Thursday. Until then I hope you have a blessed and happy day.

March 29th, 2007