Tangled in Wishes on the Fourth of July

Today is the 4th of July, 2021. I had planned a big celebration. We were going to watch fireworks off our new pontoon boat down at the Marina. The boat is the culmination of a 60 year dream and celebrating that on the 4th seemed like a dream come true. A special celebration after 18 months of a pandemic that kept us away from all special events seemed like a mighty good idea. I planned to invite a few friends along, have pizza and wine and snacks.
However...
It is the 4th of July and I am laying in bed because I can't walk without assistance. Tangled in wishes again. I typically start my day with coffee and a walk through my small garden to soak in the beauty of the flowers and the promise of a few fresh vegetables in the mid summer. Because I have been in bed for four days, I have missed those walks. I have a huge appreciation for those who cannot take a walk at all; those who find themselves in dark places that they cannot soon be free from. I have found in my tangled dreams a clarity of love and acceptance. My sweet husband has taken pictures of the garden and texted them to me, so I might enjoy the beauty and keep my dream alive. My friends have brought me coffee and pastries and meals. Today my dear friend brought me a basket of fruit and cheeses and crackers with little American flags decorating the amazing gift. Prayers sent my way left me in total peace during my surgery. I have had a slight setback and another small spoiled plan. But in its place life has left me a huge bouquet of unexpected poured out love, and in my pain, bits of laughter so real that it conquered the soreness. It is hard to put to words what those little flags meant. They will be remembered by me more than any huge fireworks show. Kindness is a healing balm and I will take it over any shining award or brilliantly laid plan I can conceive. Life never fails to bring us struggles. I suppose that is life's greatest gift. We see much more clearly in our dim days than in our bright ones. We focus in on what is important and real when we are flat on our backs.

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