Thankful

Well here I go...
I hope  y'all remembered to set your clocks back!
As we enter November and daylight savings time, we know that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It is a great time to reflect and think about all we are thankful for. AND, even on a bad day, we can all take a step back, breathe and find something to be thankful for!
Last night I went to a fund raiser at the Trolley Museum in Charlotte for an organization called the "Caring Voice Coalition". It is a non-profit, charitable organization established in 2003 to provide financial, insurance education and patient support to individuals diagnosed with  specific, chronic or life-threatening diseases. This specific annual fund raiser is hosted by a neighbor to raise awarenss and funds for this wonderful cause. He does this as an act of love for his partner of 14 years that has Pulmonary Hypertension. Without this coalitions help, many of the patients would not be able to afford the medications each month that keep them alive and extend the quality of their lives. I had the pleasure of listening to a few of the patients speak at the event. There was a NY detective that spoke about his diagnosis and how the coalition has helped him greatly. He could not tell his story without getting choked up. There was also a women that spoke about her her diagnosis (Alpha-1 AntitrypsinDeficiency). In short, her body doesn't produce the protein that protects her lungs. She lives with only 19% lung functionality! But, what the most amazing thing was that she recently returned from a 3 week trip to Australia. Yup, she flew to Australia from the USA with 19% lung function. Why? She said "because I wanted too and I choose to LIVE. With whatever time I have left I am going to live and live big!! WOW! What an amazing human spirit!  Did I mention that back in 1996 they told her she only had 5 more years to live?!! Hmmm...
I really makes me think about the act of LIVING! How many of us just go through the motions? Are we showing an attitude of gratitude for the precious life we have been given?
Today, I am taking a step back, a deep breathe and being extremely THANKFUL for my health and choosing to LIVE BIG!
Just Sayin',
Christina