Fun Memories

Today (well, technically yesterday since it is after midnight) I went to the zoo and enjoyed watching my little nephews see lots animals for the first time. It was one of their 2nd birthdays, so we had a lot of fun. But one of the most fun parts was just at the end when it suddenly began to rain (like it hardly ever rains here - super hard like in Africa!) .... my husband wanted me to run with him to find the tropical forest house - I didn't want to at first, but finally I gave it and he took my hand and ran with me through the rain - we began laughing and the stopped and kissed while the rain ran down our faces. A memory I am sure I will remember into eternity. Moments like these are sometimes left behind when we are in times of geat pain, but a very important pain managment tool (as I have said before) is happy thoughts. The art of taking ordinary moments and making them magical is an art that I want to possess ever day of my life. Not allowing little things and moments slip by without sharing them with those we love. A simple kiss, a laugh, a hug, a conversation, a cup of tea drank outside under the stars, a swing on a swing, holding a baby .... these are the kinds of things that make life so beautiful. Sometimes I find that in pain I get stuck in a rutein - I know what I can do safely and I give up too easily. I often tell my husband that I can't do something when I probably could - maybe would suffer a little for it later (like I am now with pain and unable to sleep) - but what I miss out on when sacrifice those tiny moments! I know that I can't do everything that I would love to do - some things I never will be able to do. But there are many things that I can do that are spontanious and don't put me in any real danger as far as my health goes. I would rather have the beautiful memories to help me through the times of pain, than have a little less pain but no memories to fall back on when I need them!

Enjoy the moments today - tell me what joy you found in the gift of the moment.