I looked outside yesterday morning and it was gloomy and rainy. It's not that I hate rainy days. I don't generally, but my knee is still swollen and hurting when I walk (okay I know it had only been two days) and I had to get out and run a couple of errands (whine).
When I walked out the door of my building I saw this.
On such a gloomy day the camellia bush had produced a beautiful pink flower.
It really made me stop and think that no matter how gloomy things may seem at times, there is always something to be happy about.
There is a wonderful Yiddish word for constant complaining. Kvetch. I am often guilty of kvetching.
I am missing aerobics this week because of my knee, but I started thinking about the man who often exercises next to me. His name is Jack and he told me he is 93 years old. Jack is short in stature with a humped back, but he is tall in spirit.
While I hear lots of moaning and groaning around me in class, I never hear Jack kvetch. He seems to be one of those people who is grateful for the things he can do, rather than the abilities he has lost. He plows through every one of those exercises.
Today I will try to stop my kvetching. I will think of that pink flower on a gloomy fall day and I will think of Jack who is providing me with renewed inspiration.
Later today I am going over to my daughter's house to hang out with Sidney. She is 14 today.
I am so proud of the young woman she is becoming. What a joy to watch all of the transformations she has gone through and to see how strong and independent she is.
Happy Birthday, Sweet girl.
Laura, Happy birthday to Sidney. Yes, a beauty she is with her fair skin and great eyebrows. :) I complain lots myself. I have grumbled around for two weeks with my shin where I ran into a man dragging a cart. we kind ran into each other. There's a goose egg sized bump and it was terrible black and blue for the longest time. But I am happy I can walk . I think we earn a right to whine at times. LOL Blessings to you, wishing you good healing in your knee. xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeletehappy birthday to Sidney! not complaining about the rain cause we need it....but Halloween!
ReplyDeleteShe really is beautiful and I wish her a happy birthday! Hope you heal quickly so that you can do the things you want to do. Take care and try not to overdo!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Laura,
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your granddaughter today. Happy Birthday to her. Have a great day.
Hugs,
Kris
Happy Birthday, Sidney! Wonderful analogies. I know just what you mean about the aches and pains. Your elderly friend Jack is a wonderful example of fortitude and rolling with whatever happens.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Hi Laura. Oh, I know all about kvetching! ha ha ha How true it is that there is always something lovely among-st the wretchedness. Laura, my aqua aerobics class is absolutely wonderful. My knee is often swollen but I make myself swim anyway. Is your class in the pool? HAPPY HAPPY Birthday to Sidney....a sweet teen! Susan
ReplyDeleteGlad you are able to get out and about, and spend some time with your lovely granddaughter! Happy Birthday, Sidney!
ReplyDeleteLaura, so frequently you have the message I need to hear! Thanks so much for reminding me that I need to pay attention to the good things in my life and not complain so much about the things that bother me!
ReplyDeleteEllen
Hope you had a nice celebration with Sidney. Such a pretty pink surprise.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend
Cindy