Positive Lessons of 2009!!

There has been a lot of events in my life since the end of last year and I know many of you know it, but for those who don’t quick summary :

October 2008 ~ mass removed, possible cancer, but benign. It is lipoma. 

Two year lawsuit over a car accident which I was injured and did $4000 damage to my car ended in my favor.  Note, I received significantly less than what would cover my expenses, but the insurance company was really nasty and I was clearly not at fault.

Thanksgiving/Christmas ~ family stress/with just the holidays as usual, but with triggers this time and begin to decompensate.

Jan/Feb 2009 ~ 24 day psychiatric hospitalization

March 2009 ~ not unpacked from hospitalization yet and am hospitalized 7 days for very serious pneumonia

March 2009 ~ day after I’m discharged from the hospital my father-in-law is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, hospice in place, given one week to six months.

April 2009 ~ father-in-law not doing well has hospice nurse in home. He passes away on 4/26/09
Funeral Service ~ May 1st
Burial Service ~ May 9th

May 10, 2009 ~ a forty two day psychiatric hospitalization; part of lung collapsed. 

Other things: End two 30 plus year friendships, Vision changes, skin problems all over, and 60 pound weight gain due to medications for pneumonia, urinary tract infection, continue therapy at four times per week, and more!!! Doctors, doctors and more doctors.

1. My faith in God and sense of His presence grew.
2. My relationship with my husband grew.
3. I found out who my “real” friends are.
4. Ended two friendship.
5. Nurtured two other friendships. 
6. Found out the true colors of my family.
7. No more secrets in my family, at least, from my end.
8. Reconnected with my aunt and her parter.
9. Received much assistance and support from my church family.
10. Became a gay right’s supporter.
11. Learn more about medical information.
12. Became more assertive.
13. Began to like myself more.
14. Clearly decided to return to school, hopefully a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
15. Discovered that I really have a heart for the disenfranchised.
16. Gained a new wardrobe due to weight gain.  Husband has rule that I cannot leave the house naked.
17. Even though it has been tough financially, God has provided abundantly.
18. Have good doctors and had many opportunities to get to know them better.
19. Discovered that I really like reading and writing for Coffee
20. Discovered that I have a great support system on line.  Thank you!!
21. I’ve learned more about what smelling the coffee is all about!!

Share what you have learned or discovered about yourself this year.