Abundantly Thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

My holiday started a bit earlier than normal when I woke up today at 3:22am.  I've been waking up at odd times over the past several weeks.  As I lay in bed trying to remember where I was, I suddenly realized our room was filled with the wonderful aroma of a turkey roasting.  No, I wasn't dreaming.  We are staying at the Barnes Lodge (long-term housing for patients and their families) on the Washington University campus where the hospital is located.  One of the volunteers, Carla, came to the Lodge at 1am this morning to cook a wonderful Thanksgiving feast for everyone staying here.  I drifted in and out of sleep for the next few hours and when Jeremy woke up, he said, "Is that turkey I smell?"

Carla prepared an amazing spread: roast beef, ham, turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, collards, rolls, mac & cheese, potato salad, stuffing, desserts, etc.  Before our meal, Carla asked all of us to form a circle, hold hands, and share something we are thankful for.  I am thankful for my family and friends, the meal Carla prepared with much love, the fellowship we are experiencing at the Lodge, the friendships I've developed with some people on the National Scoliosis Foundation group (some of whom are Lenke's patients and I was able to meet two of them), and above all, I thank God for this journey He is guiding me through.

Today was the first sunny day since we arrived here; such a beautiful day!  Jeremy and I walked for a few miles and it was so refreshing to be in the crisp, cool air.  We are at the east end of Forest Park (kind of like a mini Central Park) and decided to walk through the park.  As soon as we crossed the street to get to the park, I heard muffled music.  We were drawn by the sounds and followed it.  To our surprise, it led us to a skating rink where Christmas music was playing!  It was an ideal, drama-free day.

I pray all of you had a blessed day today.

Warmly,
Doreen