Written by Karen.
Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. It is an opportunity to take the time to simply be appreciative. It is a holiday usually spent with friends and family - who after all - are what matter.
Today I will spend Thanksgiving with Adam, and I harken back three years ago, when I also spent Thanksgiving with Adam in the hospital ICU (Intensive Care Unit) feeding him ice chips.
It has been three years since Adam unexpectedly had quadruple heart bypass surgery, and much has changed since then. For me, that experience of seeing how abruptly life can change was the beginning of a journey that has brought us to where we are today: taking time out to explore the world together.
Our apartment in Bogota, Colombia is right next to a funeral parlor. Every day, the hearses come and go, with memorial services held again and again throughout the day. Because we are on the fourth floor, we can see the friends and family queue up below us on the sidewalk, wearing black, sometimes crying - sometimes not. But, we know that there has been a loss and we sympathize with them.
This morning, there was a large funeral gathering prior to the procession, with lots of tears and sadness. I don't know the story behind the loss, but I can feel their pain even four stories up.
Three years ago in the hospital ICU, there was a young woman, aged 21 years old, who was in the alcove next to Adam. Her family and friends took turns visiting her throughout the night, but she did not make it. She passed away on Thanksgiving Day. The abruptness of her departure and the disbelief of her family and friends is still fresh in my mind.
Life is short. Seize the moment. Be grateful. Say thanks. These cliches may seem trite, but they are true. I am exceedingly thankful for our friends and family; for the opportunity to take time to travel the world with Adam; and, that Adam is here today - happy and healthy.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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