Thanks immobility

“Thanks Immobility” I said, and I meant it from the bottom of my heart. It’s a horrible name for a human being, but thankfully I’m talking about a situation.
For a few days I have been unable to use my left arm although the problem is actually rooted in my left shoulder, as a result of overcompensating for a weakened right shoulder. Classic and unoriginal. As is the renewed gratitude for an otherwise healthy and well-functioning body. The scenario is familiar; “you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone”. Classic and unoriginal, the scenario not the song.
I have a new appreciation for the ability to dress myself and put on deodorant. Ah the simple things. But I truly have never been more grateful to raise both arms above my head. Getting back to doing reverse Namaste is another thing. (I’m not too proud to recognize that I was mostly showing off whenever I did it, because I never really had to work at doing it. But now that there is actual effort, and a little pain, involved, oh how the mighty are humbled.)
Of course layered on my minor physical misery was the greater misery of the events in Newtown, CT. Children. Tragic Death. Holiday Season. When these three concepts collide, it is a perfect storm for expressing gratitude. I thought I was done with the lists, but I’m happy to have been reminded that there is no expiration for gratitude.
So in the absence of real personal horror, and feeling extra special blessed for this reality, I give thanks. I am thankful that even though my dad is not with us this holiday, he wasn’t taken away by human violence. I’m thankful I got to say goodbye. I’m thankful for having never known a child who died, regardless of circumstances. I give thanks for so many simple and mundane things that to list them makes me feel guilty for having what I have, which is counterintuitive to the exercise. So without further ado I’m off to snuggle with a hot water bottle, thankful for the enduring quality of this home remedy tool. A timeless classic.