Appreciation vs. Taken For Granted

"We do not know the true value of our moments until they have undergone the test of memory." -Georges Duhamel, The Heart's Domain

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"If you can look back on your life with contentment, you have one of man's most precious gifts -- a selective memory." -Jim Fiebig

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Today, four years ago on December 8, 2005, was the last day of life as I knew it. The remembering of that day has surfaced over the last week more significantly than in the previous three years. Interesting to note.

I have found myself wondering if I appreciated that rather ordinary day, the fourth of five days of orientation for a new professional venture. Did I relish my ability to sit comfortably on the edge of the hotel room bed watching an early morning worship program with my roommate as I telephoned my youngest daughter before she left for school?

Did I appreciate being able to use both hands fully as I took notes that day and my ability to walk wherever I chose without consideration for accessibility? I wonder why the woman seated to my right used a cane to steady her tentative gait? I was curious then, but did not ask as I probably would now.

I remember that final walk across the parking lot with my roommate, discussing which car to drive to the restaurant for supper. Mine was closer and it was a little cool outside, so we chose to take my jeep. Minutes later, I was praying for a miracle to spare us from the crash and, thank goodness, my passenger was spared and able to go home to her family the next day. I was not so fortunate. I could not move my legs.

That was the beginning of this "after the accident" journey that is still in progress...a limbo land of unpredictable tomorrows. I know I took a lot for granted before being hurt. I just hope I was appreciative of the blessings that came so easily.

I'm blaming this brief trip into the past on our recent snow. Snow is rare in the South and the quiet wonder that comes with it triggers a multitude of good memories from life in the Midwest. No surprise that I should trip over this stumbling block as my mind became quiet enough to recall...