I have a multitude of
items for which I am thankful since last Thanksgiving, beginning with human
beings.
worship at Faith United Church of Christ due to my numerous infirmities—has been a true Angel in my life since
my April 12 falls. He has visited me in hospital and rehab Center, driven me to
medical appointments, cleaned my apartment (many, many times), fed my Kitty
Kids and kept their litter box clean and filled with fresh cat litter. He has always
been willing and able to assist in various projects, from putting together
furniture to assisting Jenny and taking my humongous wheelchair out of storage
and placing it in the back of my CR-V. Richard has been willing to come to me
almost every time I have needed him. For example, on Tuesday I attempted to
take a bath for only the third time since I moved into this apartment and the
first time since my April 12 injuries. That was because there has been lots of
lime clogging up the water system and I have been unable to obtain a good flow
from my shower head making showering almost impossible. The bath was a
wonderful experience; however, we encountered a major problem when I attempted
to get out of the bathtub. I couldn’t! So Jenny telephoned Richard and he came
to my apartment where he and Jenny attempted to lift me out of the tub. So they
called 911 and a couple of strong men got me out of the tub. Richard stayed
around until he was sure that I was okay. The Richard Pearson has brought God’s
love and grace into my life. I am extremely thankful for all that he has done
for me and the Kitty Kids.
I see my son, Nick, too
infrequently. However, he came to me when I was in
the
hospital and rehab
Center. Nick is the first person I saw when I came out of the 12(?) day coma in
the ICU. He visited me regularly throughout April and May. He was at a
restaurant nearby when I was given permission to eat solid food and drink
non-thickened water. I telephoned Nick and he brought me the first solid food I
ate after the ordeal of thickened water and mushy food. I am extremely thankful
and proud of my firstborn, Nicholas Lawrence Temple III.
I am also thankful for my
ex-wife, Janel, being present so often at the hospital and rehab Center. She
assisted me in understanding things that my battered brain could not. When it
was determined that I have prostate cancer, she went with me to numerous
appointments with pathologist, oncologists, and urologists. Even though she
stated that she did not think I am grateful for all that she has done during my
illness, I am extremely thankful to Janel.
I am thankful to my
retired former pastor and colleague, the Rev. Doug Fowler. Throughout the years
he has been more supportive than I can express. He has come to me when I have
been in need, talked with me when I have been confused, given me advice that
was much needed, and been a true pastor and friend. Now that Doug is retired, I
have much less contact with him. I remain thankful for his bringing God’s grace
and love into my life.
My sister, Debbie Bennett,
is a blessing. Because of the age (14 years) and questionable reliability of my
car, I am unable to visit my mom and heart nursing home in Elizabethtown. Debbie visits mom just about
every day and cares for her in ways that I wish I could. I am extremely
thankful for my little sister.
I have
known Jenny Renee DePierro
several years through a mutual friend.
However, it is only been in the last several
weeks that I have begun to know her well. She had a need: a safe place to live.
I had a need: a house keeper and caregiver. We are now meeting both of our
needs. I am extremely thankful for all that Jenny is doing, which is really
keeping me out of a nursing home.
There are lots of other
people to whom I am most thankful. These are too numerous for me to name
individually. They consist of my doctors and nurses; the volunteers to bring my
Meals on Wheels; my friends on Facebook and Twitter; my fellow bloggers; my
friends who are actively working for justice and peace; folks here in my
apartment complex. In many ways, they too have been messing jurors from God to
me. I am most thankful for them.
I have some nonhuman
friends for which I am very, very thankful. They are my Kitty Kids. Alex has
been with me 11 years; I love him dearly. Midnight was born in this apartment.
She is still a young kitten and very entertaining. Unfortunately, Sugar and
escape the apartment while I was in hospital or nursing home. I pray for her
safety and hope for her return. LG (Little Girl) escaped the apartment just
after her kittens were weaned. She is a young cat without Sugar’s street
smarts. I pray for her safety and hope for her return. My Kitty Kids are my
closest companions. I love each one dearly and am thankful for their being with
me.
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| ALEX | | | | | |
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| MIDNIGHT |
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| SUGAR |
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| LITTLE GIRL |
