Wednesday at work was a bit of a sad one. We got word that two of our coworkers had passed away. The first one was a security guard that worked in my building and he had a heart attack in the morning. He was in his early 50’s. Then mid-afternoon we got word that another coworker had chest pains and went to the hospital BUT he was okay and back at work (thankfully). Then in the afternoon we got the sad news that a coworker from another department that had also had a heart attack passed away. He’d had a heart attack at the office, coworkers gave him CPR and he went to the hospital to no avail. He was 44. It was a very, very sad day. This all happened in one day, not even a month since the deaths of two other coworkers.
It was pretty sad. All I could think about was the coworker who was only 44 and how he had two teenage daughters. It hit me in a very personal way. It brought up memories of when I was 17 and lost my Grandfather unexpectedly. I was very close to him and it hurt like nothing else ever had. On Wednesday all I could think about were those two girls and how it was almost Thanksgiving. They would forever associate the holiday season with their father’s death.
It made me really stop and think about all the things I have in my life to be thankful for.
Michael is wonderful. I love him with all my heart. He’s goofy. He gets me. He can (sometimes creepily) read my mind. He supports my goals and he’s been my Knight in Shining Armor many times.
He makes me laugh. I’m happy and content living with him. Love you babes!
I am thankful for my goofy kitties. Even the cry-baby that just hides under the bed. 🙂 Fat Kitty is the most lovable cat I’ve ever met. He’s a snuggling, purring machine!
I am very thankful for my lovely friends! My friends who were there no matter what I weighed, supported me through my weight loss journey, listened to my complaints when it “wasn’t working” and loved me just the same after I lost it all!
Rachel and Me, Chicago 2006
Robyn and Me, Vegas 2008
I’m thankful that I have such a cool family. It’s a big, Catholic family with lots of cousins, aunts, uncles and second cousins…you name it. Our family is big, close-knit and most of my happy childhood memories involve family parties and functions.
Me and Mom
It’s sad that death has to be the reminder of what is important in life. Certainly not calories. Or whether I missed a workout at the gym. Or 5 pounds. So Wednesday night after I tearfully told Michael what happened at work, I told him how much I appreciate him and love him. His response? Feed me alcohol and chocolate. 😉
Just kidding. He hugged me and said some very sweet things back to me. He did give me chocolate though. And it did make me feel better. 😉
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with their friends and family. Mine was perfect. 🙂
QUESTION: What are you thankful for?
Carbzilla
Holy Crap – I’m 44! That is so scary! What are the chances of 3 heart attacks in your building even? That’s nuts.
Having met you guys, I can say you’re an awesome couple. It’s the same way with me and Chris: he totally gets me, is ALWAYS on my side no matter how stubborn I’m being, and I often say we’re sharing a brain (which means each of us is really only operating on a half).
No matter what the circumstances, it’s great to realize how precious life is and how lucky we are.
PS that’s my FAVORITE chocolate bar in the whole world. I’ve been sending them around the US to the sad people who can’t get Theo. I’ve eaten one and have one waiting in the wings. God it’s good.
Big hugs!
Lisa Eirene
Thanks Tiff! That means a lot.
That was my first time trying that chocolate bar. It’s pretty fantastic! I even loved the Gingerbread flavor. Mmmm…
Lisa
I am so sorry to hear that your coworkers died, and so near the holiday. Hopefully their deaths are coincidental and not an indication of a stressful working environment.
Like Fat Kitty, my cat drinks from my glass. He prefers water, but has sampled tea and Diet Coke too! Have you ever been able to get a picture of his head crammed in the glass?
Lisa Eirene
Fat Kitty has yet to attempt that move but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time…
I’m sure that stress is a factor in the deaths but it’s still just awful…
Lisa @ I'm an Okie
Wow! I am so sorry to hear that. Two in one day? And both so young?!
Really reminds you to appreciate everyday–and thank yourself that you made the decision for a healthier lifestyle.
Lisa Eirene
Yes Lisa–that thought crossed my mind! I was grateful that I changed my life for the good and got healthy.
Diane Fit to the Finish
What a wonderful list – you are right – there is so much to be thankful for!
Christi
You are so pretty! I love the picture of you standing there beaming while Michael is making a goofy face.
I am very thankful that my 72 year old mother is still with us and very active. She made this Thanksgiving so special by coming to my house for a change 🙂
Lisa Eirene
Aw thanks! I like that picture too. And yes, I am thankful for my grandma too! She’s in her 90’s!
MizFit
wow.
Ill say here what I always say (translation I like to think I dont need posts like these which are so REMINDING to, well, remind me :)): IM THANKFUL TO BE HERE.
TO BE ALIVE.
PERIOD.
Miz.
Lisa Eirene
YES!! I am VERY thankful to be here!
ragemichelle
I’m thankful for many things. I’m thankful that my husband and I working very hard at getting healthy. I’m thankful for the 38 lbs that I’ve lost and I’m thankful for the 80 that he has lost. I’m thankful that my older son is getting some relief from his TMJ. I’m thankful that I have such awesome children and grandchildren.
I am also grateful that I found a new blog to draw inspiration from! So looking forward to poking around here!