Good day, @hive family
Weekends are always hectic for me because they mark the highlight of my week, a time to take drink orders, prepare, bottle, and package them for sale at my various outlets.
Just like every other weekend, I had already made up my mind to take some pain pills to sustain me through the long hours of drink preparation and packaging.
But while in the shower afterwards, I found myself reflecting deeply… thinking about how energetic and vibrant I used to be some years back. I marvelled at the extent of my physical strength, how I could walk long distances and take on tasks ten times more demanding than making drinks now, without blinking an eye, despite my health condition.
Although I no longer remember exactly what it felt like to walk properly before I was affected by sickle cell, I still recall the things I was once able to do.
And so, dear family, please never take your health for granted. That saying, “Health is wealth,” is indeed true. This phase of my life has opened my eyes to see it clearly. Losing the ability to perform even the simplest tasks can be truly heartbreaking. Looking back now, I see how often I took those abilities for granted, thinking it was my strength that enabled me to do them, assuming I would always be able to.
Today, I’m grateful for life because where there is life, there is hope. I’ve learned to be thankful for every little thing I can do, no matter how small it may seem.
Imagine learning to walk again like a toddler; how strange it felt to cross the road alone after years of being unable to do so. It's now a great feeling to moisturise my legs on my own, or to use the toilet without needing assistance.
These are things I never thought I would need help with, but there was a time I did. Well not anymore though.
So, family, let’s learn to be grateful for life, for health, for the most minor victories, for what we can do now, and even for what we can’t yet do.
This journey has taught me the true meaning of gratitude, and I’m glad I learned it. I now focus on what I can do, and I’m thankful for that.
Have a blessed and restful weekend, everyone. Cheers to life, hope, and gratitude.