Today, I am Thankful

Today I helped Becca move out of her and her husbands home because she is physically unable to do it herself. I've known Becca for about two years now, having worked with her on group projects as an undergrad, and a grad student. Becca is soon to be 32, and has health problems beyond my comprehension. She was diagnosed with Rheumatiod Arthritis at the age of two. She had her hips replaced at 15. She has Osteoporosis, has had dozens of surgeries to try to fix different problems such as her left arm which will not fully extend, and her hands, which have become immobile and permanently contracted over the years. She has had both ankles replaced with prosthetic ones, has broken her femur and many other bones. Twice, disks in her back have collapsed. Thats only the begining.

Becca is leaving her husband after nearly ten years of marraige because he is verbally abusive. For instance, one of his favorite things to tell her is that getting her degree is a waste of time and money because "who would hire a damn cripple anyway". He refuses counseling, and after years of cowering to him, shes finally standing up for herself, and I am so proud. What a strong woman.

So today, I am reminded of how thankful I am - for my health, my friendships, my family, and my relationship with Josh, just to name a few. Although none of them are perfect, I am thankful for what I've been blessed with. Its just so easy to get caught up in my own life, my own problems - and forget how good I really have it.