No Whining

by Guest Blogger Suzie Petunia

Our dear friend, Kelly is on the road right now and can't post, so she asked me to do it for her. My words seem inadequate to convey what she wants to write today. But I'd do anything for this sweet friend of mine. So I'll try.

Her dad is dying of brain cancer. She is there to help her mom in his final weeks and days. There have been terribly difficult days, and then days when he is very lucid and able to communicate well. Today she had a sweet moment with her dad that made a life-changing impression on her. He told her that he was grateful, and that things could be so much worse. In her eyes this was hard to imagine. What could be worse than being evacuated from your home because of the S. California fires and be dying of brain cancer? He told her he felt grateful for his memories, that he was able to move, and talk with his beautiful daughter in his last days.

How can we complain when we have so little to complain about? Kelly is more determined than ever to not complain or be upset about things that are not that important. Her father's loving and genuine perspective on life and gratitude will be carried with Kelly, and hopefully all that read this, long after the official season for Thanksgiving has passed.

We all love you, Kelly. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Through you, your dad's life and influence is felt and appreciated. All of your friends are here for you in the days and weeks ahead. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with all of us. We love you!