By Nicole Shelton

More Precious Than Ruby

A Journey to God Through Cancer 

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THE GRATEFUL LIFE

July 15, 2023 changed my life forever. I had a ruptured brain aneurysm. Seemingly a death sentence. Thankfully, those who were with me responded quickly, not only calling an ambulance but converging on me with prayer. From there, things progressed quickly … emergency room, emergency surgery, and recovery. From the moment I woke up, I could move my limbs, I could talk, I could think. The plan was clearly death, but death didn’t realize that the Victor over death had already said “Life!”

I’m alive and completely changed by this experience. Now, I see everything through the lens of gratefulness. I’m sure you’ve had your own challenging experiences. We all have. Allow it to change and shape you for the better. Find your grateful lens and begin to live life to the fullest. Your life is waiting for you and all you bring to it, so take your next step in The Grateful Life!
Nicole Shelton

You’re the One
You’re the one. You’re the one who shares your organization’s unspoken norms with a faltering colleague. You’re the one who makes sure the door is held for the person behind you. You’re the one who shows extra care to the aged person that no one visits. You’re the one who calls the friend who just lost her marriage. You go out of your way. You plug in where you are needed. You make a difference. It’s the small things. It’s the big things. It’s the day to day of just being who you are and offering what you have. It’s choosing to fulfill God’s special purpose for you, every day. We all have something. Give it. Share it. Celebrate it.
You’re the one, and no matter how small or big your contribution to your family, your job, or your community, we are better for you and we are grateful for you.

His Plans and Purposes

During my recovery, I’ve been walking at a local park. It started with me topping out at a leisurely 1.2 miles followed by a necessary nap. Now I’m at a speed-walked 2 miles almost every day and still building. It has been incredibly therapeutic. Every day during my walk I see this path. The path meanders along in an open area, then goes around a blind corner. It reminds me of the meandering paths and blind corners that we navigate in life. As our paths approach each blind corner, we have a choice to make. Do we risk the unknown? Do we trust God to lead us where we can’t see? This particular path happens to open to a beautiful stream and wooden bridge surrounded by colorful foliage (it’s Fall here in Michigan!). It’s encouraging. It’s a representation of the fruitful future God has in store for us. I’m so grateful for His plans and thankful for His purposes!

Friends

Friends. They really bring the flavor to life. I’ve been blessed over the last week to spend time with four different friends, I’ve enjoyed their hearty laughs, crazy stories, heartfelt empathy, and unfailing love. Even more, I’ve enjoyed their commitment to our relationship. Friendships are not always easy. They require time, tending, and honesty. The time commitment alone often derails even the most promising of friendships. It takes work! But, when you put in the time and attention, the result is a wonderful garden of common experiences, shared laughter, and amazing support.
My friends, you are the spice of life, and I am abundantly grateful for you!
The Faces of Healthcare
Shout out! Nurses, Physician Assistants, CNAs, Radiation Techs, Med Techs, Nurse Practitioners, Doctors, and the list goes on. The faces of healthcare. I recently had a procedure to ensure my prior ruptured brain aneurysm is stable (it is!). It sent me back down memory lane. During my 13-day stay in the hospital, the medical team made all the difference. However, there was one special Physician’s Assistant named Jessica Townsend. She connected with me in a way that made me feel like a whole human being and not just a patient. She not only demonstrated excellence in her practice of medicine, but she delivered compassion, empathy and clear, open communication. So, I’m shouting out to all the faces of healthcare to let you know that those of us who have been patients appreciate you. Your tireless support, your enduring smile, your advocacy, your ability to make us feel comfortable in uncomfortable situations, and your pure commitment to the patients you care for everyday!
We are all grateful for you!

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