Health Day!

I am combining a couple of things in my gratitude today since I missed yesterday, but they are all related.  Overall, I am just beyond thankful for the steady good health of my family, minor complaints notwithstanding.
First, I am so grateful that Gabriel's health seems to have stabilized since we started homeschooling.  It's a nice change to not have to be at so many doctors' offices so often.  There was a time where we'd be at one doctor or another several times a month.  Now we only have to see some of them only once a year or once every couple of years.  I am grateful Nick and Elijah have strong immune systems and I don 't have to worry about their health the way I worry about Gabe's.  Gabe is still at high risk for so many things so the worry is ever present, but we've made it ten years and have been very very lucky.

Second, I am grateful to live in a place where we have access to such stellar health care facilities.  Most of Gabe's specialists are at Stanford, and there aren't enough good things to say about how well they care for kids AND the families.  When Gabe had his open heart surgery there, his surgeon came in to talk to us beforehand and he had such a calming and caring way about him, and he greatly reduced our fear and anxiety.  I've not once, in ten years, had a single bad experience with any interaction.

Third, I am super grateful for the trainers at my gym.  Most of the classes I take are lead by Denise, who is just an amazing person.  She pushes me to achieve my best, she is patient and creative about accommodating  me when  have put too much strain on parts of my body.  All the times I have injured myself (including the current shoulder issues I am having) have been at home or doing things in my day to day life *cough*kids*cough*.  And when that happens, she makes sure I can still get a good workout in without exacerbating the injury and she makes me feel better about what I am capable of achieving. "You can do this" she tells me when I am not so sure I can, and she is always right.  She is there to believe in me when I don't.  On those days where I have no motivation, she provides it so that by the end I am feeling recharged and strong.  And on occasion, she has also provided a shoulder to cry on, when burning calories isn't enough to relieve the stresses of  my life.  I have also been coached and pushed by her husband, Brett, who also is great at pushing and encouraging, and making us laugh.  He has a great sense of humor and that helps too! The classes are always fun and challenging and different.  It's just an all around great place to get your fitness needs met.

Lastly, I am thankful to live in an area where good fresh produce is so easily accessible.  Going to the Farmer's Market with the boys on Sunday has become a tradition I love, and having so many kinds of great fresh fruits and vegetables available year round makes eating well so much easier.

I still have improvements to make to be my healthiest, but it's a lot easier with great support and access to such great food.