52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love.
Grey skies and cooler Autumn days arrived this week. Just in time to fit with slow days spent indoors.
My Dad had to have further surgery and there were some tense hours waiting, waiting, waiting. Then there were waves of relief, love and gratitude when he was out and recovering in bed. It's tough watching someone you love struggle with illness. It sure is one way to remind you to live in gratitude, and to cherish each moment. We are very grateful for all those who've been thinking of us this week.
Each day Dad thanks us for being there with him and for all we've done and we respond that we're so thankful for all he's done for us and the merry-go-round of gratitude happily goes round and round.
Slow quiet days followed Dad's surgery and knitting, reading, drinking tea and quiet conversation became the daily rhythm. It's been nice to come together as a family and support each other.
More on knitting. I've found the perfect sized needle for my very basic knitting skills and I haven't dropped a single stitch. Bored with scarves and not quite being confident to progress onto anything further than knit one, knit one! last winter I turned to knitting blanket squares for the charity Wrap With Love (well to be correct I only managed one square last winter and you need twenty eight squares to make one blanket, oh dear!). As for this year I've already completed one square in a week and my sister has joined in and we're knitting a blanket for Dad.
Knitting always reminds me of one of my creative friends Liz, who can turn her hand to anything crafty. She's tried to advance my knittings skills to no avail I'm afraid, and it's not because of her lack of teaching skills. I was thinking of Liz as I was knitting, then later in the week she texted to say thanks for sharing with her a food blog I thought she'd like, and a little while later I walked past these gorgeous bunches of Lizzy's (pictured) and smiled and thought of what a lovely friendship we have.
And speaking of lovely creative friends, Jess and co over at The Hunter Woman are reflecting on what they're grateful for each day this week.
What are you grateful for this week?
Linking up with Maxabella for 52 Weeks of Gratitude.
Wishing your dad and your family all the best xx
ReplyDeletethanks vanessa x
DeleteIt is so very difficult to watch those you love going through things like surgery but it sounds like you have such a loving and supportive family to help you through these times. My thoughts are with all of you and I hope your Dad recovers soon. Enjoy your knitting it's the perfect type of weather at the moment to start knitting again:) x
ReplyDeleteCatherine, I'm touched with everyone's lovely thoughts. The knitting continues and is coming along nicely!
DeleteGlad your dad is recovering well. That waiting really does hurt. I do love the gratitude you are all sharing - family is such a blessing xx
ReplyDeletethanks elisa x
DeleteHey Nat I hope your Dad's ok. Gives me a little tear to think of him thanking you for being there. Kellie xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Kellie x
DeleteOh natalie, so so sorry about your father. My dad was just here visiting. My mother passed away in November from a difficult and incurable disease so I know what it is like to watch a parent struggle so...It is a poignant moment where you feel all of the sudden in charge in a way you weren't quite ready to be. Or more grown-up than you though you were... does that make sense? Thinking of you. -yes so many things to be grateful. indeed. thanks so for reminding me of all the things I need to remember and be grateful for. xo
ReplyDeleteRebecca it makes perfect sense. x
Deleteso glad that your dad is recovering well. what a beautiful and gentle post. xx
ReplyDeleteI adore your "merry-go-round" description. I wish you all and him the best. Right now I'm grateful for a fun wedding weekend with friends, a heater, "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" book that made me hungry for vegies every night I read it, a long sleep and farmers' markets!
ReplyDelete