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Sugar Lump Studios

Art by Nancy Maxwell James

{Christmas Blessings}

December 18, 2014

redheart

If there is righteousness in the heart
If there is righteousness in the heart,
there will be beauty in the character.
If there is beauty in the character,
there will be harmony in the home.
If there is harmony in the home,
there will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation,
there will be peace in the world.
So let it be.

~Scottish Blessing ~

I have shared this blessing the last several years on my blog at Christmas time, but I never tire of it. I want to thank you for your love and support since my stroke on July 24, 2014. You have no idea how your words and emails have continued to be a source of strength to me.

As I near the 5 month mark, I am happy to report so many gains. I have leveled at the moment, and my OT/PT will end next week. While I am sad in many ways, I am grateful too! I will miss my therapists and the friendships I have developed at the tiny hospital I frequent twice a week. They are an amazing group of ladies and I shall miss our Tuesday/Thursday banter.

selfie120314

I do need a rest from it as well. The last 5 months have been a battle to regain as much as mentally and physically possible. I remember my first day there, I arrived in a wheelchair. Now, I can walk with my cane in and out. I am exhausted when I leave each time, but my legs are carrying me.

My Christmas is not going to be a very festive event this year. I have been unable to shop, bake, or wrap gifts. That does make me sad. I shared this with a girlfriend recently, and she said “Your children do not want presents, you are the present because you are STILL HERE to celebrate with them.” It was the words of comfort I needed to hear.

snowflake

In January, I plan to visit a local university with my Occupational therapist. We have been asked to speak to students going into the field. I am pretty stoked about this! I never questioned “why” this happened, but knew there would be a path given to me and I will follow.

May the spirit of Christmas bless each and every one of you this season! I am hopeful that 2015 will be a much better year and plan to make it just that!

Merry Christmas!

Filed in: stroke recovery • by Sugar Lump Studios • 14 Comments

About Sugar Lump Studios

I am a dabbler. I love to create using all sorts of mediums...pattern papers, stamping, fabric, assemblage, collage, altered art, a never ending smattering of whatever strikes my fancy in whimsical moments. I find creating allows my soul to be fulfilled and love to spend hours in the studio.

Comments

  1. Marjorie

    December 18, 2014 at 11:30 pm

    That is a wonderful Scottish blessing. Your family is truly blessed that you are still among them. I can sympathize with your wanting to do all those things you’re used to doing.. the baking, the making, the gift shopping, but your friend was right. Enjoy this year and know that next year’s holidays are bound to be even brighter.

    Blessings to you.

    Reply
  2. debi

    December 19, 2014 at 1:36 am

    Nancy, having fallen seriously behind on blog visiting, I only recently learned of your stroke. I find your positive attitude to be very refreshing and inspiring, considering the difficult road you have travelled. I wish you all the best in your recovery, and wish you a wonderful Christmas. And your friend is right….YOU are a gift.

    Reply
  3. Jacky S

    December 19, 2014 at 3:58 am

    You are certainly the best gift your children could have….Happy Christmas to you all.

    Reply
  4. Sue

    December 19, 2014 at 7:57 am

    What a beautiful blessing, and so timely considering some of the current world events. I am so glad that you are making such a good recovery. The “fluff” that goes with Christmas can certainly wait until next year. Focus on what’s important! Merry Christmas. Much love, Sue

    Reply
  5. Dorthe

    December 19, 2014 at 11:37 am

    Dearest Nancy,-
    Thank you again for the poem, I love reading it again.
    And thank you for taking your time and energy, chatting with me, now and then, I appreciate it so very much. You know you are in my thoughts alwayes, and that I wish you a most bless filled new year 2015. And YES ofcourse you are the gift this year for your kids and husbond, and a better gift is not possible, than seing you now after the 5 months ,being so much better, and with your strong will ,to fight on.
    I send you much love and longarmed hugs, have a MERRY CHRISTMAS ,DEAR FRIEND.
    Dorthe

    Reply
  6. Karen Otterbacher

    December 19, 2014 at 11:54 am

    Dear Nancy,
    I have so enjoyed visiting your blog and Etsy store since I ‘discovered’ you :) this year.
    Loved your post photos and the Scottish blessing too.
    I know you don’t know me well but I wanted to thank you for your wonderful attitude; how it over-flows in your posts and gives us all inspiration and encouragement~
    If I may say, my wonderful husband was diagnosed with lung cancer in July of this year; we had the hope of 6 months (then our kids and grandkids could be with him for Christmas,)
    but we lost him in October.
    I’m sure your children are just so happy to be with you this holiday season that nothing else is important. Our relationships are so precious~
    Blessings to you,
    Karen

    Reply
  7. Terry

    December 19, 2014 at 11:59 am

    Nancy, it is so nice to see you here! I hope your Christmas is as beautiful as you are! 2014 certainly has been a challenge for many of us, but you are working wonders with the battle in front of you! 2015 will be so much kinder to you and hopefully all of us! Keep up the good work and I am sending you lots of hugs and love! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  8. Linda K

    December 19, 2014 at 1:09 pm

    Dear Nancy, I could never tire of such a beautiful blessing as this. The courageous way you have worked through and are facing your challenges is truly a gift and inspiration. I know you will touch the students you speak to. I have had a few challenges too recently and although so minor in comparison to yours it does make you think about what IS important and what can be let go of regarding getting everything done for Christmas as you are used to. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and wishing you a very happy Christmas!

    Reply
  9. Marrianna

    December 19, 2014 at 6:07 pm

    Love this post! Thank you so much. I am so glad you are going to visit a university class to talk about your experience. I think it will be wonderful. I’m getting chills just writing about it. You will ROCK the presentation.

    Merry Christmas,
    Marrianna

    Reply
  10. linda edwards-pflum

    December 20, 2014 at 11:53 am

    Love this post Nancy! I am so glad your recovery is coming along! I follow along more on facebook than the blog, but wanted to tell you I read everything you write and always love your artwork! Continue recovering! That is so wonderful about the presentation! Merry Christmas! Hugs from me!! Linda

    Reply
  11. Marie

    December 22, 2014 at 3:55 pm

    Dear Nancy,
    you are the best gift your Children could asked for. Have the most wonderful Christmas and a wondwerful 2015.
    Christmas hugs to you,
    Marie

    Reply
  12. Gaby Bee

    December 23, 2014 at 1:55 am

    Dear Nancy, I wish you all the very best in your recovery!
    Sending warm wishes to you and your family for a wonderful Christmas and much health and happiness for 2015.

    Gaby xo

    Reply
  13. Saucy Chick Sherry

    December 26, 2014 at 11:40 pm

    Nancy Dear you are a blessing for all of us. Your spirit and dedication to get better is the best gift of all. How wonderful for you to share your story with the college students this January. You are brave and strong. Blessings with Health and Peace and Joy for all of 2015…

    Reply
  14. Deb-Paxton Valley Folk Art

    December 28, 2014 at 11:07 pm

    Nancy, wishing you every joy in the coming New Year, you are an inspiration to us all. Hope that your Christmas was merry and bright, (Hugs), Deb

    Reply

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