There are so many things we can be thankful for in our lives. All too often the greed inside pushes us to look at what we don’t have instead of being grateful for what we do have.
Good Health
Health is one of those things that can be easily overlooked until you don’t have it. I take my health for granted, so I have to try to make a conscious effort to appreciate it. I am equally thankful for Shae and Frugal Boy’s good health.
Preventative medicine has come a long way in the last century. If you follow this blog at all, you know what a big fan I am of vaccines. We live in an age where polio, measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis A & B are relics of the past. These debilitating or deadly diseases are not something that I have to worry about for myself or for my son. I was elated to find out that there is a chicken pox vaccine. I am old enough that I actually contracted chicken pox when I was a tween. It was horrible. I still have scars on my torso and scalp from chicken pox, but thanks to preventative medicine, Frugal Boy may be able to avoid the same fate.
Fluoride. Yes, I am thankful for fluoride. Have you ever wondered why dental insurance is not a part of health insurance? The answer is that dental work used to be considered optional and had no health impact. Obviously now we know that a healthy mouth is important to a healthy body. I look at my parents who grew up without fluoride in the water supply and I see what a difference it has made in their dental health. I have had one cavity (in a baby tooth). Shae has one cavity. Taking good care of one’s teeth is very important for long term health.
Vision. This year was the first time since high school that I have had my eyes checked. We don’t have vision insurance because we haven’t needed it. I have always been able to pass my driver’s eye exam and Shae has great eyes. My siblings haven’t been as fortunate. Two of them have had LASIK surgery (both loved the results) and the other two are wearing glasses daily. My eye exam revealed what I already know, my eyesight is on the cusp of needing glasses. I hate the idea of being dependent on eyewear or contacts so I am extra thankful for each day that I can do without.
The only daily pills that are taken in our house are a singular prenatal multivitamin. I see peers that are starting diabetes medication. It is painful and saddening to see individuals so young being strapped down to medication. Chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and obesity are anchors on an otherwise happy life. Every time I take Frugal Boy to a checkup or I have my annual physical I take some joy in answering ‘no’ to any medication taken.
Finally, I am most thankful for having a healthy child. When he is being frustrating by doing toddler things, I try to remind myself that the alternative is far far worse. Messes can be cleaned up, walls can be scrubbed, books can be replaced, and uneaten food can be disposed of, but a special needs child will always be a special needs child. My parents raised an extra special needs child and it changed them down to their very core. I have often thought to myself, “could I do what they did?” I am so very thankful for having a healthy, normal, bounce off the walls child. Even if he does make me want to tear my hair out sometimes.
What aspect of your health are you thankful for?