Last week was certainly a week of firsts. It was the first time I’ve ever had any sort of surgery, the first time for an IV, and the first time I’ve had my wisdom teeth removed. Okay, so I won’t be having my wisdom teeth removed ever again, but hey, it’s still a first! As a result of said procedure, I have been in a little pain…not too much, but enough to have become quite friendly with my good friend Advil. Also enough to start having dreams where all I want to do is eat Chick-Fil-A, and then realize that I’m not allowed to eat anything of real consequence. On the plus side, I have tasted delicious smoothies created by Mark, as well as more than my fair share of pudding and ice cream. All of those tasty treats are getting boring though, and I’m already counting down the days until I have clearance to chow down on all of my favorite savory foods. It is definitely tough to sit by as Mark eats Chipotle and pizza commercials fill the TV screen. Oh well, only a week and a half more to go. Hope I can make it.

In all seriousness, though, this “ordeal” has reminded me yet again how truly blessed I am. There are millions of people in the world who do not have access to good dental care, for example. There are even more who lack access to any sort of regular food supply, much less a fridge and freezer full of all the soft foods they care to eat. There are people out there who suffer through a great deal of pain without any sort of medication to get them by. And there are people who have access to all the benefits I’ve mentioned above, but don’t have anyone to take care of them as they recuperate. I am so thankful for everything I have, and I need to make more of an effort to remember this.

I hope that you know how lucky you are, and that despite the trials you may be facing, there is someone out there who has it far worse than you do. Think about them, and be grateful for your blessings.