Things to be thankful for

I was considering doing a post called “When bad things happen to good characters” today, but I just got back from the YMCA, where I spent two hours supervising my kids swimming, and something struck me.

As I sat on a rather hard plastic bench admiring my children’s cannonballs and semi-handstands, a young man with very limited mobility was wheeled in by a young woman. After a bit of orchestration, she and another woman lifted him from his wheelchair into the water, saying, “Are you ready to move a little bit?”

The look of delight on the young man’s face when they lowered him into the water was a marvelous thing.

I sometimes overlook what a great gift it is simply to be able to go to the kitchen and get a glass of water, or fold a load of laundry, or cook dinner. Or step outside and let the wind blow through my hair while I stroll the neighborhood. It’s moments like the one I experienced this afternoon that remind me of that.

So as I watched the kids, my attention kept drifting to the young man, cradled in a kind woman’s arms, being swirled around the pool, weightless. Moving in ways that are usually denied to him. And I’ll tell you, his joy was contagious.

He also — in his own way — reminded me of two things: one, we are very, very fortunate just to be here, and can find joy no matter what obstacles life throws our way. And two, little things can really make a difference in others’ lives — as the assistance of the two women today did.

Now, having waxed philosophical for a few minutes, I’m off to do a load of towels — and spend a few moments being grateful that I can. I’ll write the post I had in mind this morning later on this week.

I hope you are all having a wonderful day!