The best -and worst - way to appreciate a gift is to lose it.

Unfortunately, I know.

After being anchored to my bed for three days with brutally painful lower back spasms, unable to move even the tiniest bit without the agony of my muscles seizing, let me remind you that it is an incredible gift to be able to get out of bed.

Three days of torture. Three days of being helpless, relying on my husband-turned-incredible-caregiver who gently maneuvered me, cleaned me, brought food when I could manage to eat, and ice, heat, and medicine that didn’t touch the pain. Three days of begging God for relief and wondering how long this would last.

As I moaned my way toward day four, muscle relaxants from my doctor finally kicked in, and I was able to slowly make my way out of bed. It was like I had been liberated from the bowels of hell. Moving without pain was an indescribable relief. There was also the ease of being upright to eat and drink. There was the joy of walking to the bathroom, which - let me tell you - was glorious. There was rejoining my husband and college boy in the land of the living.

Gratitude for everyday gifts like mobility is not new to me. For many years, I have started every day by giving thanks for my legs as they lifted me out of bed and carried me into the day, but now, this is new level. I appreciate even more deeply mobility and being pain-free, and I honor those of you who are bedridden from disease or disability. I also tip my heart to the caregivers whose call button is never turned off - especially those who serve with love and patience, keenly aware that circumstances could have made it the other way around. For any of us. At any time.

If you’re one of the lucky ones today - out there with your legs moving and your back functioning, living pain-free, do me a favor.
Pause.
Right now.
Bask in the goodness of it.
Absorb that you get to do this.
Like every gift you’ve been given, appreciate it now - without having to lose it first.