I had my preop exam today. My surgeon requested some lab work, a physical exam and an EKG performed by my primary care doctor. At the end, she declared me "fit and healthy and ready for surgery!" Of course, this all included BP, temp, pulse, and weight, which wasn't exactly where I want it to be but it is what it is. Not once did my doctor use the word we all hate to hear -- obese! She noted my weight, said you've lost a little, and you're doing good!!! Do you know what that does for one's morale? Sends it skyrocketing!!! It's like the 4th of July all over again! So, I left feeling pretty happy and satisfied, knowing as soon as I can get back to it I'll be exercising and eating healthy and back on my journey.

I suppose if there's any lesson to be learned here is that our primary care doctor is first a woman of compassion, and then she is our physician. The key to making others feel better about themselves is just a little compassion. Those of us overweight know just how out of shape we are, how many pounds we need to lose, and we know why we're in our predicament. We don't need certain words reminding us at every turn. So, if you have a chance, share a little compassion with your friends and neighbors. It can make a huge difference in a person's day!

Just a little thanksgiving today:

I'm so thankful to be seeing signs of spring and the sun shining through!
I'm thankful contract negotiations with The Government have been completed and we're on our way to the manufacturing stage of our order.
I'm thankful for a compassionate physician.
I'm thankful for Isaiah 43:1-4.