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Thursday, September 26, 2019

Thankful Thursday

Over these months of difficult times, photography has been helping me reduce my stress. I become totally engrossed in it, trying to express various aspects of the swirl of emotions inside me.

The biggest theme has been finding the beauty and the brightness along the path of life. Seeing a dog in the dark forest at sunrise, with the sun aligned just right, is an expression of that theme. On this particular morning, Shyla's breath was turning to mist which the sun lit up beautifully.

Within the darkness, beauty shines through.

Another expression of that theme is noticing small flowers that are glowing in the sunshine along a forest path. These flowers are tiny but they still can catch my eye as I pedal along a path.

Of course, it's sadness over my dad's cancer that has me seeking out life's beauty. All of the official news about my dad's surgery is fabulous. The surgeons believe that they removed all of the cancer. Even though they had to remove a big muscle that moves his arm and transplant a muscle from his back to replace it, he is moving his arm well - and that was not predicted! The downside is my dad's cognitive haziness. He is confused and scared some of the time, and that breaks my heart. I don't know the prognosis for that... but I'm remaining hopeful. I am experiencing the role reversal that so many sons and daughters experience at some point in their parents' lives.

In the meantime, I am going to continue to seek out beauty that makes me smile every single day, even on days when I'm sad. It always helps me, and I love trying to take photos that let others see that beauty too.

Thanks to Brian for hosting the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!

16 comments:

  1. you are a mgic pup Shyla... we always knew that... hugs and lots of positive thoughts to all of you...

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  2. Both photos are just beautiful. Hugs to you, KB♥

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  3. What a great picture of Shyla in the morning light. I'm always looking down to see the wildflowers around us. They are sometimes more beautiful than the ones we plant in our gardens. Millie & Walter have their paws crossed for your dad too.

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  4. Hari OM
    Well, you know I understand the father thing; my ol' fella is deteriorating quite a bit at the moment. Fits and starts. I wish you all the best for positive outcomes your end - anaesthaesia doesn't help confusion, it must be said. Your images shared triple their wellbeing benefits, I am certain of it! Huggies, YAM xx

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  5. Unfortunately they fail to tell you anytime you have surgery, especially if you are older, that the stuff they put you under with can cause problems with memory, brain fog, etc. It depends on the individual whether they fully recover from it or not. I had an uncle that did not. It sucks that with all the modern day medicine, we cannot find drugs that don't have terrible side effects to them.

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  6. Oh, dear KB. I truly understand exactly how you are feeling and my husband likely can identify even more. I had "brain fog" and the doctors could not guarantee it would lift. Fortunately it did. I know the circumstances may be far different for your dad, buy I fervently hope the same will be true for him. My husband turned to our Lucy just as you turn to Shyla for comfort and our birds and flowers for beauty. My heart is filled with healing thoughts for your dad and the very best of wishes for you as you go this this dark time.

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  7. Such wonderful photos, always! That's some really good news for your Dad and we're praying even more good news follows. Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!

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  8. A fabulous shot of your Shyla. You are a whiz with your camera.

    Great news on your dad. I hope he continues to improve.

    Have a fabulous Thankful Thursday. Scritches to all the pups. ♥

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  9. I have been told that major anaesthesia can have side effects that might take 6 months to go. Hoping this is the way for your Dad, and it seems the surgery itself was all good.That is the best news. Nature can help us every day, and that tiny beautiful flower, self sown, is in itself a miracle of nature.XXX

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  10. The first photo is amazing!! Just beautiful. I'm very thankful the surgery went well and Dad is moving his arm.
    I was going to say what Nancy said. anesthesia especially when under for a while takes time to regain familiarity. Many years ago my dad had 7 hours of surgery and was in an induced coma for about 10 days.
    He had very similar issues especially of his home. I bought to rolls of (old fashion film) took about 40 photos of inside their home, his neighborhood and his work shop. He looked at them every day to remind himself. It really helped him.
    Hugs to you all
    Cecilia

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  11. Love Shyla's 'silver lining' though it is more gold. Keep drinking in that beauty to restore your soul.

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  12. That is a very magical picture of your, Shyla. Thanks for helping your Mom.

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  13. I am so happy that you have Shyla in your life, especially now. I am very encouraged by all the stories above abouts the anesthesia taking it's toll, but coming out of the fog. I'll keep my paws crossed for your Pops, and send lots and lots of AireZens for you ♥
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  14. My mom relaxes at dog sports trials by taking photos. It relaxes us too since it is something we do all the time. Love that photo of Shyla. We hope your dad does well. Gramma is not doing well, and Mom feels more like a parent trying to help take care of her. It is a very tough thing, but it is life and she has to get through it.

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  15. The beauty and brightness you share is amazing. I hope it comforts you as much as it does for those of us lucky enough to see it. 💙

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  16. That first photo is simply amazing. I think when we are highly emotional, that is when our creativity can be at it's best. I guess it's how some of us cope. Hang in there...things sound promising. My sister was not herself when on some of the chemo meds, so sometimes it's the meds that can confuse things, and it takes time for them to get out of the system too.
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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