“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.”— Gertrude Stein
Ten years ago, I was at my annual physical. My family doctor was chatting with me while leaning in to listen to my heart. She placed the stethoscope, stopped talking, looked completely startled, looked up at me, and said, “They can fix it!”
Of course, I wondered what needed fixing. It turned out that I had a leaky valve in my heart. It was the loudest leak she, and others who listened later, had ever heard. I had been enjoying robust health and had just used that same heart a few weeks earlier to run a marathon.
If I had chosen not to fix the valve, or if I had lived in a time and place where the fix was not possible, I would not be writing this newsletter today. Be assured that it was fixed. My heart was checked recently, and all my valves are working perfectly.
This week in the United States, we celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving. I use this holiday as a time to reflect on the multitude of things I am grateful for.
This Thanksgiving marks my 10 year surgery anniversary. I am grateful for what one of my friends calls a second-life. I’ll be reaching out to thank the many people who supported me.
I encourage you to take the time to reach out and thank those who have made your life richer.
