Contributed by Bob Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Turkey Day! This is a day we should be giving thanks for many things!
Do we think about giving thanks or even thinking about how lucky each and every one of us is?
The United States, if that is where you are living, is a pretty good place to be compared to many other countries. We can mention all the challenges we are facing as a nation right now, for sure, but have we stopped enough to realize how thankful we should be?
There is always a reason to complain if you find one. There is always a reason to not give thanks to someone or something, but should it be?
We are busy doing many things and probably take for granted that simple task.
When is the last time you thanked someone or remembered just how thankful you are for what you have no matter what the situation? I am not trying to find fault here, but I am asking all of us to be real and true to themselves and those around you.
I’m guilty, I can never be as thankful as I am today. First, I am so thankful to even be here when less than three years ago, I had less than 20 percent chance. This is an easy one. I still don’t thank enough people for that success.
Being on this journey allows me to do lots of thinking, sometimes too much I’m sure. But think about if I was not in the US, would health care somewhere else had been able to get me where I am today?
Some people don’t even have health care, doctors – any care at all. The struggle with health care here is real, but I still think we are luckier than most, don’t you? When you really stop and think about it?
So, how do you celebrate Thanksgiving?
One of our traditions is pretty cool.
Before we eat, we say prayers to the man upstairs, without him things would not be possible. But, more importantly, we go around the table whether guest or family member and individually give thanks in our own way. Some are obvious, others not so much.
Some even make a list, so they don’t forget something. Really warms my heart actually. It so easy but means so much. I believe the simple things in life can bring the most joy.
Think about the simple things we took for granted before we started on this journey together? Breathing easy, obviously.
But, what about the everyday tasks – walking, talking, and simple chores? I have never been more thankful than when I could actually get out of my bed and walk to the bathroom. I know it’s odd, but simple.
For some of us, we aren’t there yet. So, what can we be thankful for?
Each and every day we have. Make it count.
When I was really struggling, I asked God to give me strength to get through each day, one day at a time. Keep your eye on the daily prize. 🙂
Are you thankful for the care you are receiving today? Let your doctors and nurses know. Is your family your biggest cheerleader? Good, be thankful and tell them.
I have to say that I am so thankful for my friends at CAIRE Medical, George has become one of my dearest friends throughout my journey and can’t thank him enough for all he has done for me. Carla, another CAIRE Medical, superstar. Thank you for all you do.
This company’s passion towards those of us fighting everyday on our journeys with a serious lung condition is really second to none. This is a caring company of people wanting to help us find our way. If you haven’t already looked at their products, check it out for yourselves or write to me and I’ll give you lots to think about through my small testimonial and firsthand experience, nothing more. You owe it to yourself if you are on any kind of oxygen therapy.
So as this blessed day of Thanksgiving comes before us, please take that time to be thankful for the small and biggest of things.
I’m thankful to all of you that continue to fight everyday on your own journey, no matter what it is. Keep the faith! Keep smiling! Thumbs up!
‘Til next time!
#LaughEveryDay
#BreatheEasy
#TouchAHeart
– Coach Bob
Bob Rawlins, 60, of Medina, Ohio, is husband to Terese and father to their 13-year-old triplets, a soccer coach, a hospital volunteer, and marketing guru. He enjoys skiing and golfing with his SeQual eQuinox portable oxygen concentrator.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.cairemedical.com or calling 1-877-704-0878 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.