I saw my first Robin yesterday, truly a sign that Spring has finally arrived. The crocuses, daffodils and other early bulbs are peeking through the earth and reaching for the sun. What a wonderful season...
The winter has been very challenging for my family, and I have been very silent. We've had a death in the family - not unexpected but still a great loss; my husband had a heart attack with bypass surgery - he has just returned to work and is doing very well; my daughter had sinus surgery, and I recently had sinus surgery and nose reconstruction (weak cartilage - I never even heard of that!). Tucked in between these major events have been other challenges that have stretched all of us. Understandably, we are glad that the winter is over and that we are in a new season of growth and renewal.
Times like these bring up a variety of feelings and emotions including, fear, fatigue, confusion, a sense of mortality, gratitude, blessing, and renewal. It is easy to get caught up in what is hard and scary, and all of those feelings must be acknowledged. But, what I have learned is that the blessings outweigh the challenges, and gratitude is essential. We are grateful for gifted and caring physicians, nurses, technologists; friends and family who have supported us in so many ways; thoughtful strangers who crossed our paths; our church family; our work family; especially, we are grateful for more time together.
In this lovely time of Spring, I wish you peace, joy and many blessings.
Jana
