So Lucky

I have a friend I have known for about twenty years.

For at least fifteen of those years, she has had severe arthritis. Once my friend was as flexible as anyone else, and now her hands are twisted, and she walks with a cane.

She has had numerous back surgeries, dislocated hips, hip replacements, and has to go back for another hip replacement soon. There is more I just won't go into, for this blog entry is about something more than my friend's long-lasting pain.

Many of my friend's nights are sleepless. She doesn't talk about this. I know about the extent of her pain because I went on and on about my broken ribs years ago and more recently about my broken shoulder. I believe my friend told me about some of her situation to keep me company and so I would know how lucky I am.

I never ever heard my friend complain. On the contrary, I hear her say how lucky she is.

When her hip recently dislocated, and she had to have an ambulance take her to the hospital, I told her I was so sorry. She gave me this look and said: "Well, look, Gloria, I was able to walk out of the hospital -- I'm so lucky!"

To hear my friend tell it, she is the luckiest person in the world. She sure is lucky to have the attitude she has.

I think her attitude is courageous and contagious too.

There is a Heavenletter in which God tells us not to commiserate with anyone. This Heavenletter emphasizes how we don't do anyone a favor by feeling sorry for them. It's not nice of us at all.

Instead of feeling sorry for anyone, I'm going to be proud of them, as I am of this friend of mine I just told you about.