Ten Things of Thankful - Week 35, 2017

The above image is of a quote printed in seven lines on plain parchment with Hero written in large bold lettering at the top. It then goes on to define a hero as "An ordinary person facing extraordinary circumstances and acting with courage, honor and self-sacrifice." The parchment is centered on a background image of four wide, weathered boards that were once painted white, running horizontally, that might be part of a building.*

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Happy September! I smile as we head toward Autumn, which means here in Texas that we will soon experience relief from the triple-digit temperatures of summer, making it much nicer to be outside again.

While this has been a week of so much suffering and tragedy here in Texas, and into Louisiana, in connection with Hurricane Harvey, it has also been a time to witness the very best of the human spirit rising above and reaching out. I have watched and read of countless examples of ordinary individuals and business owners doing generous and heroic things to help others, creatures included. Just when we began to wonder if the American people had reached a collective low in compassion, we are reminded that the world is still full of good people who do the right thing, and go above and beyond, without thought to politics, race, religion, or gender. I am so grateful for this reminder about what is really important and where our energies should be focused.

I am thankful for the animal rescue groups who have been able to relocate many of the homeless cats and dogs that were already in the Houston shelters to other cities around the country, making room for those rescued from flooding or needing temporary shelter until their owners can reclaim them. Bless those who realize how important these animals are to family members who have lost everything.

I am thankful that Galveston sustained only minor flooding from the hurricane aftermath. This is something they are well-prepared to deal with. As of this weekend the port has reopened, and services for tourists are back up and running.  If all goes well, and an other hurricane doesn't strike before then, we will be headed there in two weeks to celebrate our ninth anniversary, as previously planned. Galveston is the place in Texas where my heart most longs to be, the ocean calls to me.

I am thankful that the inspection for my daughter's house went well, with only a couple minor issues and one allowance request. The Radon test is now in the process of being completed, and it looks like closing should remain on track for late September. All prayers appreciated. I am thankful, too, that her husband has a few days off work and was able to come and spend some time with her. They miss each other a lot while they wait to finally be together in Dallas. 

I am thankful that a friend who underwent surgery this week is at home recovering and doing well. She deals with so many medical issues and yet always has a cheering word and kind thought for others.

I am thankful that my younger sister got to spend a couple days caring for her new grandson. He is a precious bundle of joy.

I am thankful that a friend helped my older sister put up a fenced area in her back yard so that her two dogs can enjoy more supervised playtime outside without being tethered.

I am thankful that the feral kitty trio that adopted us are thriving, and becoming more social every day. They often hang out on our deck and run to greet us when we come out. They are sweet boys, and I am blessed to be tasked with making their lives easier.

I am thankful for all the life lessons I am learning, even if those lessons can be uncomfortable at times. Lessons help me grow in wisdom and compassion, so in the end it's all good.

I am thankful for each one of you that comes to share your thankfuls and comments each week. Positivity and encouragement are so wonderfully contagious! :-)
 

Blessings to you in the days and weeks ahead... Look for reasons to be thankful in your life, and remember to be a blessing to someone else!
 

The above photo is a click-button to the TToT link-up. It is photo of one of our beautiful Texas sunsets with blue still peeking through the clouds; yellow, orange and pink bands around the remaining sliver of bright sun, and a wide band of black earth below it on which I've written Ten Things of Thankful.*

* Descriptions of the included photos are being provided for those who may be unable to view the illustrations.