Here we are with 10 days left in my 30-day November to Remember, No Excuses November, Challenge 2014. I have heard from so many of you, and this is fantastic! You are doing GREAT! Today, I want to focus on gratitude, acceptance, and surrender.
During my recovery, I learned gratitude. Ultimately, near the end, I gave gratitude every day for being alive, as life was a precious gift. That is right, I gave gratitude for being alive, even in a Parkinson’s body. I became engrossed with deeply living my life and paying as little attention to the Parkinson’s as possible. I continue my gratitude practice daily, each day fully remembering how precious and fragile are our lives.
Yesterday, I was driving in the car with Sally as my passenger when a person ran a light, hit the front driver’s side of our car, and obliterated our car. When our car came to a stop, smashed against the curb a few feet from going head-on into a utility pole, Sally and I gave gratitude for being alive and being conscious.
Although banged and bruised, I was able to get out of the car on my own. My precious Sally was not so fortunate. She is the strongest, bravest person I know, so when I asked how she was and she said she did not know, it was difficult for me to find the strength to be strong for her. All those months of Sally being strong for me in my Parkinson’s recovery, I needed to be strong for her yesterday.
As the paramedics were tending to Sally, they wanted me out of the way. I called for reinforcement, our dear friend Mary. We are grateful for Mary. She dropped her life and was at the scene within minutes. She helped me empty the car, and she provided me with good advice about the day. I went to Sally and explained that as brave as she was, she needed to get in an ambulance and go to the hospital. I would ride with Mary. We are grateful for Mary.
The day ended with me banged and bruised, and nothing more serious than that. Sally was banged up, had bruised ribs, and she had a broken bone in her foot and could not walk without crutches. Our friend Mary really rose to the occasion…thank you, Mary; we are grateful.
At the end of our evening yesterday, Sally and I gave a lot a gratitude for how things turned out. Things could have been worse, but they were not. We are grateful. We will be okay.
We accept that this accident happened, and we surrender that not only did we have no control over it, but also, that the Universe does not owe us an explanation for why it happened.
Yesterday was a not-so-subtle reminder of how precious and fragile life is. Lesson learned. Lesson re-learned.
I implore you to live your life to the fullest, practice abundant gratitude, and be willing to accept what life offers while surrendering that the Universe owes you no explanation for what may come into your life.
There are 10 days left in the November challenge. Make then your best!
Okay, everybody, put big smiles on your faces and chant together so the whole world can hear:
“Parkinson’s is curable.
I am my own Parkinson’s cure.
I am halting, slowing, and reversing the progression of my Parkinson’s.
I am extraordinary.
I am recovery.
I am doing great!
AND, I AM WORTH IT!!!”
All my best,
Howard
I feel so sorry for both of you, thank God not more happened, I wish you all the best and a recovery as soon as possible
All ht best
gabriella
So glad you are both ok!
God bless you Howard, only an amazing soul like you would go through such a traumatic day and still manage to post a blog to your community on her. So glad you and Sally are ok. I hope Sally enjoys taking it easy for a little while and allows you to take over the role of chef and chief bottle washer as the saying goes. Lol.
You both have a Divine Purpose, in a way it’s a gift to realise that somehow in such a collision, both your injuries were not too servere, God and the Universe are showing you that Life has great plans for you yet.
Enjoy the attention Sally, well deserved. You will probably hold each other that little bit tighter.
With Love and gratitude that you are both intact.
Karen xx
Howard
I completely agree with Karen.
Your strength is amazing.
Thank you for being so authentic and faithful.
(I am a different Sally than Howard’s wife Sally)
Thank Goodness you are both OK! Shocking events provide opportunities for growth. You and Sally will be in my thoughts and prayers today… I love you Howard and thank you!
Dear Howard…you and Sally are giving us all an incredible gift ….living, breathing, embracing acceptance … I imagine you both healing with ease as you navigate this particular chapter in your lives…thank you so much for this generous post….
What a wonderful lesson of gratitude and grace. I am so glad to know that you and Sally are going to be okay. May your bodies heal quickly. Today I will let your positive attitude guide me in counting my blessings and inspire me to find gratitude in being alive too. Thank you Howard!
I’m so sorry to read this Howard.
Thank goodness neither of you are seriously hurt.
None of us know what is ahead of us we only know right now, and we need to be grateful for every moment – life is precious.
Thank you for giving your time to write even when you are having a traumatic time.
I am grateful for you Howard.
You are both in my thoughts and I wish you a speedy recovery.
xx
Your words are so beautiful, faith-filled and true, Howard. Continued peace and healing for Sally and you.
Lex.
Dear Howard Howard and Sally, may Spirit express wholeness and healing. May my blinders to wholeness be removed to reveal Essential love as the fragrance of your restoration. I join in gratitude and loving acceptance of the gifts of Spirit’s unfoldment. Divine Mystery reveal your pure guidance for Howard, Sally and those touched in Union.
Profound and beautifully written. Thank you from all of us John>….
Joe
So glad you and Sally are ok.
thank God & the Universe that you and Sally survived, Howard! you bless all of us with your shining positivity – especially when you encounter adversity. I send love, blessings, & gratitude your way.
Howard-
I cried my way through this blog. Though I pray for you often, I recall that I prayed for you a day or so ago for your health, safety, and protection from harm’s way. I am grateful for answered prayer. What I read here is a love story. So many of us loving you, you loving so many, a beautiful love between you and Sally, and God’s love for all of us.
I needed to hear what you said today. Acceptance is the answer to all our problems today. And gratitude will change our attitude.
Con todo el amor y la energía cariñosa que les proyectamos , oramos para que se reestablezca el estado de salud de Sally ….Dios los bendiga a todos.
Translation:
With all the love and loving energy we project to them, we pray for the health of Sally …. God bless you that all is restored.
Thank you dear Howard for offering up your own experience – yet again – for us to learn and draw strength from. Great, big healing hugs comin’ at you and Sally from the NW!
I agree with Margee – it is a love story. I am sending love and healing to you and Sally and I am sure your entire community is doing the same. Doing the post was going the extra mile, but it enables us all to share in your healing of the trauma and injuries from the accident. You, once again, teach us the lessons of gratitude and acceptance. Thank you.
Dearest Howard and Sally,
How grateful I am each day for you and Sally’s generous and open hearts. You both are in my heart today with many prayers of love and healing directed to each of you. Love, Love, Love coming your way. I am grateful to send you my love. I am grateful for your love. I am grateful you both are on your way to recovery. The community you give love to is loving you back each day and especially today. Luminous light and immense healing blessings from the sun, the moon, the galaxies to shine upon you both.
Grandes abrazos y besos! Susana
Sending a big hug of gratitude to Mary for being Mary!
Tears flowed for me, too, as I read this post. Evidence of how much I care for and love Howard and Sally. I too am grateful for how it turned out, for your friend Mary and that you shared the details of the story. We all can benefit from following your example in responding to whatever life brings our way.
What a timely subject as those of us in the United States are approaching Thanksgiving week. And no surprise that this concept parallels what the Bible counsels. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Despite my Parkinson’s mind and body, I rejoice in my life and I am grateful!
Dearest Howard and Sally,
So sorry to hear about your accident today and really grateful to hear that you’re both OK. As you say, life is so unpredictable and precious and we are given reminders of this along the way. Thank you for sharing with us all. It is a privilege that you feel that you can and that in itself is also a lesson. By sharing you are allowing us to contribute our prayers and good wishes for you and Sally. Thank you Howard for all the amazing support that you give us so regularly and may God bless you both and have a speedy recovery.
Love from Waseema
Wow, Howard……just, Wow!
Thank God you both are okay.
Too many people need you.
You can’t be checking out just yet!
Dear Howard and Sally,
We are so grateful , that you are both OK.
Thank you for finding a time, and sharing with us your story.
You are both a beautiful example of how to be greatful for what we have Today.
We wish you a speedy recovery
With a big gratitude for what you are doing to our great community.
Dear Howard,
I salute you for your courage and strength. Good to read that you trust both will be fine.
Blessings and well wishes.
I turn to your site often for encouragement.
Hans
Thank you for sharing your harrowing (and painful) experience and turning it into a learning experience for all of us. We are grateful!
Big hugs to you and Sally, happy to read that you both will be fine. We are grateful for your safety, we send you much love!!
Dearest Howard and Sally
What a traumatic experience for you both but thank God you are ok.
We never know what is round the corner.
Trust Sally makes a quick recovery. You are both a shining example to us all.
Lots of love xxxx
Dear Howard and Sally,
What you make possible for all of us out of your untiring efforts is so amazing. Just the thought of it other than it currently is, ratchets up my appreciation to heights I would never have experienced without this unfortunate circumstance described in your blog. Great, huge love to you.
Ouch! Bruised ribs and a broken foot both hurt! Our prayers will be with you in coming weeks, Howard and Sally, as you heal together.
Laura and Nellie
Yea Sally and Howard, you are the bravest, most accepting people I know. when you were not on our Skype session this am , Howard, I didn’t panic which is my usual response to a situation like this – I have learned to trust what is happening in the now and not to wonder or worry about why. You have been in my thoughts and prayers all day overshadowing any concerns I might be experiencing. It is also so good to hear from many others, the love for each other is very strong, Marilyn
Howard and Sally. Thank God that you are both doing well. My best wishes to both of you for a speedy recovery. I am grateful to you for all that you have done for us.
Joe
Dear Howard and Sally,
I too am grateful that both you and Sally are doing well. I am grateful to you and all you do for us. I hope you have a speedy recovery.
I am ever so grateful for you and Sally, for your lives, for your protection and for your continued love , support and direction. With much love and gratitude for.all you do!
So sorry to hear of your accident and so glad to hear you are ok. Love and blessings to you both.
Buna seara Howard ,buna prietenii mei dragi.Imi pare rau de accident,de suferinta lui Howard si a sotiei sale.dar in acelasi timp stau si ma gandesc ce lumina puternica si inteligenta i-a pus Divinitatea in suflet ca poate trasforma noroiul in aur.E mare lucru din ce perspectiva vezi viata.Eu acest lucru am invatat de la Howard si ma ajutat enorm in luptele mele cu boala cu greutatile vietii. Imbratisari LEO
Translation:
Hello Howard, my dear good friends. Sorry about the accident, the suffering of Howard and his wife at the same time. I am thinking that bright light and put intelligence in soul divinity that can transform mud into gold. It’s much of what perspective how you see life. I’ve learned this from Howard and it has helped me enormously in my struggles with the hardships of life with the disease. hugs LEO
We are all so blessed to have you and Sally be our guides in attitude and gratitude at life’s little and big upsets. Thanks for your wonderful encouragement to continue on no matter what!! It is just what I needed today.
Love, Lohren
Dear Howard and Sally
I am sure you are doing better every day. And I am sure everybody from our community wants the update for how are you doing. We do not want to bother you every day, but appreciate very much a note from you.
Our prayers for your speedy recovery. I hope all our energy goes directly to you to help with that .
With a big Gratitude!
Wishing you both a speedy recovery. Thank God it wasnt worse!
Dear Howard, what a wonderful post. You and Sally are beautiful and inspiring examples for us, truly and completely embodying the wisdom, love, and acceptance you speak of. I am so grateful to hear that you are both doing well, and will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers as you recover. Thank you for sharing your experience. Thank you to Mary for coming to your aid.
Love and best wishes to you, Howard.
Love and best wishes to Sally.
Marie
:))))
A blessed Thanksgiving to all.
We were shocked to learn of your accident, but we are so grateful that you and your precious Sally are ok!
Thank you for sharing the lessons learned and re-learned.
We look forward to our Skype session tomorrow.
Love, The Gang of Three
Thank God and Mary for both Sally and Howard are ok. You are both brave people and good example for us. God bless you both.
Dear Howard,
You will always be part of Thanksgiving Day for us. The day that we give thanks for our blessings, for which you are truly one of them. Many prayers and a speedy recovery to Sally, and thank you to the rest of your family who are so kind to share you with us.
Love, Frank and Susie
What a loving courageous couple you are. Big hugs Sally , Big hugs Howard. Love helen