Small Joys

At Arizona State University I took the best journal writing class from Dr. G Lynn Nelson called "Writing and Being". In this class we would always start with a few minutes of recording things called "Small Joys" and I would like to make a habit of sharing them here. Now Small Joys aren't big events such as a promotion or buying a new car. Small Joys are just as they sound, those little details that so often go overlooked and are underappreciated unless we acknowledge them.

Here's to the small joys that made me happy this week ....

• being able to sleep with the windows open at night and enjoy the cool California summer nights
• watching a gentleman open the door for an elderly lady with a walker
• exchanging smiles with strangers
• listening to custom-made cd's . . . extremely loud in the car and getting caught by another driver while singing along :)
• hearing the chime on your cell phone alerting you to a new text message from loved ones
• waking up to the sound of peacocks which automatically reminds me of my dear grandparents in Idaho
• unexpected emails from family members back home with pictures to share

In Honor of My Mother ....

... I will join in on the blogging. Not only will this ease her mind by letting her know exactly what I am up to at all times :) , but I thoroughly enjoy reading what's on her mind and the minds of my family. I miss you all!

Here is a recent email I received at work that explains why I am in California and working for Medtronic ....

"Chris - I had a patient die a few days ago of diabetic complications, leaving two adolescent girls and a husband. She had lifelong heinous diabetic control and was already nearly to dialysis when we met. After a year or so of convincing (and 8 DKA admissions) I talked her into a pump. She died with an A1C of 6.2%. Six hours after she died her husband came to my office personally and asked to see me. He cried when I walked in the room and said "I'm relieved it's over for her, I'm crying because I don't know how to thank the man that gave my daughters a mother for five extra years."