wow, that is awesome news justin! you know you're a spiney when a call from Dr. B and potentially more surgery is "awesome" news and it's above the "good" news of improved vision! ;)

great in my life right now:

we finally received a lot of much needed rain and snow in san francisco and the sierras the past few days. i LOVE the air in SF after it rains. although i live in a small apt, i can see a small section of the pacific ocean from my apt even though it's 2 miles away and i'm watching a beautiful sunset right now (w/wine since this is a celebration thread:)). i love sunsets and i am blessed to live in this city.

also fortunate that i still have amazing friends and family in my life even though chronic pain has changed me as a person. they support me but also distract me and still make me laugh the way i used to (i have a big laugh).

wishing everyone happy holidays and less pain in 2009!

liz

Phone call
 

Good luck with your consultation!

Thank-you Justin. Great idea.

1. I am thankful for my supportive husband and grown children, who love me dearly.
2. I am over the moon about being a Grandma, sometime in early March. First time.
3. I am extremely grateful for all the good folks on this forum who give me hope.
4. I am thankful for the blast of winter we got up at the cabin this weekend, which snowed us in, and stranded us for an extra day and night.
5. And so much more.....

Cindylou

May the Good Lord bless us and watch over us this Christmas and Holiday Season. Let us also be mindful of the needs of others.

This is going to be a horrible year for some people due to the economy and losing their jobs. Please think about that when you pass by the Salvation Army buckets this year. There is nothing worse than having a rich country and seeing good people going hungry. Any of us could be one paycheck from being homeless ourselves.

Sorry for sounding preachy. The Rotarian is coming out in me.

United we stand, divided we fail/fall.

Terry Newton

Justin, Thank you for such a lovely idea. Good luck on your consultation.

I am so thankful for my husband of 35 years who is standing by me throughout all the problems with my back, neck, and other assorted parts.

I am also thankful for finding this site because many times your friends just don't get it, nor do I expect them to. The support from this site is wonderful due to all the great people here.

Lastly, my grown children, 30, 28, and 25 who still call and need Mom. It always feels so good when they call to run by something fun, exciting, or painful. It is wonderful to feel needed and get outside myself.

Happy Holidays to all
Phylly

Justin, great idea and good luck with your consult with Dr B,

I am thankful for my amazingly supportive family, particularly my mum, dad, brother and nana. they were amazing through this whole process and mum/dad looked after me for 6wks following my op. I love them all so much.

I am thankful for my health and an excellent outcome thus far (touch wood). I'm working fulltime again and doing some personal training around my work. I am drugfree and dont even think about carrying them in my bag anymore. I can play tennis and golf (abit so far) and get out on my bike.

I am also thankful for the great friends and work colleagues that i have. through this whole process my employer has been 100% supportive, as have all of my work colleagues. They still frown at me if i try to do too much, without being patronizing about my limitations at the same time.

A special mention also goes to Clive, my osteopath. He has treated me almost weekly at no cost for the last 18months (except the last two months as ive had no reason to see him, rock on). he enabled me to keep functioning as much as i could through the difficult times

i also need to give thanks to ACC, the NZ governments accident insurance as they have said 'yes' to everything that has been requested of them either by me or my med team.

And i am able to think about my future again, its no longer about just surviving...

To all the people tha make adr support (special mention to harrison), this site has been amazing for the support and information it has provided.

I wish everyone a merry christmas and a happy new year. I hope 2009 brings positive outcomes and resolutions.

Rachel

Short and Sweet
 

1. I have my job still.
2. My wife has her job also.
3. I do not use credit cards.
4. My neck is fixed.
5. My adult children are still model citizens.
6. I bought a Wii for Christmas.
7. My 42" flat screen was repairable.
8. Walmart sells tires cheap.
9. Gas prices are down.
10. Everyone here is so special to each other.

With all that and hundreds more, the good Lord has blessed us all with the gift of Life. That alone is worth it all.:angel:

I'm thankful for:
 

1. My husband who is hanging in with me and always having to gauge between 'oh, poor baby let me make you some tea' and 'quit moping and get off your keister'. I appreciate both attitudes even though he doesn't always select properly!

2. My sons, 18 and 20, who healthy and wise.

3. My Australian Shepherd, the best dog ever.

4. That we have a new president!!

Good luck, Justin!!

Thanks for all of the well wishes. Dr. B has been tied up this week and I didn't hear from him yesterday. Bummer...

Oh well, more great news:

1) My wife received another interview for Physician's Assistant school!
2) One of my childhood friends called not too long ago to tell me he and his wife are having twins! I'm a twin, so this is too cool! However, it means I'm getting old. ;)

Have a most wonderful (and low pain level) day everyone! :)