The Gift of Friendship
Friendship is a priceless gift that cannot be bought or sold
But its value is far greater than a mountain made of gold-
For gold is cold and lifeless, it can neither see nor hear,
And in the time of trouble it is powerless to cheer.
It has no ears to listen, no heart to understand.
It cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helpful hand-
So when you ask God for a gift, be thankful if He sends
Not diamonds, pearls, or riches, but the love of real true friends.
Helen Steiner Rice
Taking Time To Reflect
Every November, I like to take a look back on my blogging/podcasting year and my life in general. It’s my time to reflect quietly before I head into “all things Christmas” in December, which is most definitely the most wonderful time of the year!
My top five posts this year (determined by how many times they were read by my followers) are a great summary of what 2023 has included for both me and Peter.
In particular, what I discussed in the post link below, “It Takes A Village,” has been life changing as we found ourselves in need of setting up a “Go Fund me” fundraising page. While we were blessed with such generous financial gifts through this, the greatest gift was “the gift of friendship.”
The poem at the start of this post, by Helen Steiner Rice, puts into words exactly what we have experienced as a result of taking a leap of faith and doing something we never thought we would ever do!
We also had to deal with me undergoing major surgery in March to repair a huge abdominal wall and parastomal hernia,with small bowel involvement, plus relocation of my stoma from the left side to the right side. Unfortunately, we are now dealing with this surgery failing, and the new hernia, which is just as big, is inoperable as my abdominal wall tissue is just too weak, even to handle a mesh repair. Thankfully, my new stoma is working.
Peter has just been diagnosed with almost complete deafness in his left ear and around 60% loss in his right ear.
He has received his hearing aids and I’m so impressed with how well he is adjusting to these. It’s so nice to have my husband back and to have normal conversations.
He is also struggling with severe spinal stenosis and a lumbar disc bulge, which is making walking for him almost impossible.
So life has been and continues to be challenging, but we are determined to keep living our best life possible, to take time to smell the roses and to remember to give thanks for the many blessings we have.
My Top Five Blog Posts
So, without further ado, here are my top five blog posts for 2023. I hope you enjoy re-reading them or reading them for the first time.
If you are new to my blogs, I always share some of my story, but I also always leave you with tips and ideas on how to live your best life possible despite your chronic disease.
Honey I’m Home – My Major Surgey and Hospital Stay Story
You May Have A Physical Disability But Your Home Doesn’t Have To Look Disabled Too
The Best Disability Advice I Ever Received
You Have A Chronic Illness But It’s Ok To Look And Sound Good When You Can – It’s Ok To Still Be You
What Would You Like To Do With The Rest Of Your Life?
It’s Not Just About Blogging…I Podcast Too!
As well as blogging, I started podcasting in 2020. I can’t believe it’s been 3 years, and I now have 77 episodes available for you to listen to. Most are based on my blog posts, but I ad lib a lot, so you get extra content.
I won’t share the top five but here’s my latest episode which will give you an update of what I’m focusing on at the moment in order to reclaim a more normal life, rather than a totally medically focused life.
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Learning to reclaim me
Above All…..Thank you
The main reason for this post is to say “thank you“
Thank you for reading. Thank you for listening. Thank you for commenting. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your friendship.
My blog and podcast are so much more than a group of articles and episodes. They’re a blessing to me because of you, and I hope they’re a blessing to you. They’re all about creating connections.
As another year comes to an end, I hope you’ll take the time to reflect on your year. Review the difficult times you’ve navigated, but don’t forget to acknowledge the things you are grateful for. Life is a balancing act. It always will be.
I really hope you have a blessed Christmas, whether large or small. Look after yourself, pace yourself.
If you’ll be on your own and have a chronic illness, Medical Musings with Friends, my online global support forum, will be available 24/7 all throughout Christmas. You will not be alone. You will be embraced online by friends who truly understand.
I look forward to writing new content for you in 2024. I look forward to musing with you and sharing with you through my podcast.
Both Peter and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for welcoming us into your homes.
Love and blessings,
Sam xx
My Podcast
If you would like an audible version of my blog, please check out my Podcast, Medical Musings With Sam
Medical Musings with Friends
If you’re looking for genuine support, care, understanding and friendship, you are so welcome to join my closed Facebook support forum, Medical Musings with Friends . It’s a safe place to connect with others living with chronic and complex diseases, who truly understand the daily challenges. A warm welcome awaits.
My Book
My book “My Medical Musings”, is published by Imaginewe Publishers and available now to purchase as a paperback or e-book.
Here are the links to online retailers if you would like to purchase the book:
If you would like an audible version of my blog, please check out my Podcast, Medical Musings With Sam
I’m also a Contributor at “The Mighty”. You can check out my published articles at My Author Page
I also write @ Blogs by Christian Women
I’m a member of the Chronic Illness Bloggers Network the Grace Girls Facebook Group and the Showered In Grace Group
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My Medical Musings 
Great stuff Sam !!!!
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Thanks Rick…
And thanks for your friendship and support throughout the year 🙏
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