Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

I Will Enjoy Every Minute Given to Me

                                 

 

 

I am spoiled. I have a good life. I have a family who loves me, food to eat, a roof over my head. I am healthy and in no pain. I have running water, more than enough to water the flowers in my garden and wash my car. I am safe, bombs are not falling from the sky. Decisions are easy, what should I make for dinner? Would you like sugar in your tea?

I have time to blog. I have a computer. And my two hands.

When I had ovarian cancer, I was still spoiled, I lived. There was medicine readily available. I had a soft bed, a toilet to throw up in and someone to hold my hand. I had more prayers offered for me than all the prayers ever said at Notre Dame. Chelsea who was three at the time told me, "…there are angels dancing above your head" I had faith to believe her.

The hardest question to answer:

Why me?

Why am I generously spoiled while most of the world suffers beyond belief?

The biggest challenge is to live the gift of life, every day as lovingly as possible.

Is that too hard to do?

To pick up my harp, and play knowing others cannot.

To enjoy every moment given to me.

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

25 responses to “I Will Enjoy Every Minute Given to Me”

  1. Marilyn

    So thankful to know these things and acknowledge and appreciate them everyday. We are blessed.

    Reply
  2. RebeccaNYC

    Why not you Corey? I cannot think of anyone better equipped to live gracefully, and thankfully. xoxo

    Reply
  3. Kipper

    Mom always used to say “what goes around, comes around”. Corey you have been blessed and are a blessing to many, many people. The ladies who commented before me said it perfectly.

    Reply
  4. Petra

    I needed these words today Corey, to lift me up from a bit of a low. Your words remind me of all the things I have to be grateful for. The highlight of my day was a hug from my husband, and I am grateful everyday he is with me.

    Reply
  5. Nikki

    Sage and beautiful words indeed Corey.
    nx

    Reply
  6. Taste of France

    You are so right.
    Some years ago, my then-little kid declared, “on est gâté pourri.” We are spoiled rotten.
    We are very lucky to have the opportunity to be spoiled. By luck of birth.

    Reply
  7. Robin

    Thank you Corey. It is a wonderful perspective to start my week with.

    Reply
  8. Cynthia Thompson

    Such a wonderful reminder Corey, thank you! We must be so very thankful for our many blessings. I hope others see the “shine” in me toaday and always!

    Reply
  9. Donna

    So well said…amen!

    Reply
  10. Amylia Grace Yeaman

    Yes! I just read this:
    To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kindness that stands behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude.
    (Albert Schweitzer, 1875 – 1965)

    Reply
  11. Anne Woodyard (@MusicandMarkets)

    Amen!

    Reply
  12. Charland

    Touched by your goodness.

    Reply
  13. Kimberly

    Thank you Corey. I am indeed spoiled. A year ago I was given two years to live with cancer. I’m living each day as a gift but I still need to be reminded on occasion what a true gift life is.
    Blessings to you and your family for Easter and every day!

    Reply
  14. Teddee Grace

    I believe young children can see things to which we, as adults, are blind. I’m sure Chelsea was correct! You have used your blog to spread joy and spiritual uplifting. What a wonderful service. My older sister was diagnosed with ALS just two years ago and it is taking her very quickly. It is a terrifying disease and any time I think I face a challenge or my day or life is not going exactly the way I like, I just am so thankful that I am not facing her fate…and, yes, since my younger brother has Parkinson’s, I often wonder, “Why not me?” and just try to “do right” and enjoy the moments I’ve been given. Happy Easter.

    Reply
  15. Liana Munden

    Beautiful words and thoughts. I have had similar questions to God who is so faithful, why me? Why am I so blessed while others have such trials as you said. I just try to make myself available to God“ How would you like to interrupt my day today? He often does, Whatever needs from others may arise even though I thought I had my day all planned out, I just smile inside and say Ok. Some of my friends think I do too much for others but what they don’t understand is God gives me strength, love and a joyful heart. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a total martyr but like you I have so much gratitude for all that has been given to me. Recently I have tried to memorize a scripture verse, only one so far. But the one I chose is “Even though you speak with tongues of men and angels, but have not love, you are but sounding brass and clanging cymbal.” 1Corinthians 13:1. Kind of funny language but you get the point. It had great meaning to me and I try to remember. You Corey demonstrate this love through much of the words and thoughts you post you post for us. Thank you.

    Reply
  16. Liane

    I am deeply touched by your words of wisdom. Thank you. I will do my utmost to live by those.

    Reply
  17. Joan

    Why you? you ask? I believe it is because you spread so much love, goodness and kindness out to the world! Thank you, Corey.

    Reply
  18. Christine Harris

    I believe your title to this entry says it all…we are to enjoy every minute given to us. Easier said than done. Those who are challenged with illness, loss and daily struggles remind us to be in gratitude. Just yesterday I encountered a friend who has Parkinsons and what amazed me was her will to not let the disease define her. I’m sure she has her moments, but for the most part she has made the decision to live her life to the fullest.
    Your daily posts bring awareness to the good that is all around and reminds us to pay attention.
    Keep inspiring!

    Reply
  19. Mardog

    There are so many reminders of the privilege life we live.

    Reply
  20. Jan D-M

    I am often hesitant to say that I am blessed or have been blessed in my life, because there are some who ask, with accusation in their tone, “Why you and not me?” For a long time, I had no answer for them. What I’ve come to understand is that my life is no more blessed than theirs; it’s that I choose to see the blessings in my life as opposed to the pain. Oh, I’ve had pain, and oh, I’ve lamented, but in the end when I look back, I see the plan that existed all along and feel the joy of the blessings. I just may not have seen it at the time.

    Reply
  21. Liana Munden

    Well said!

    Reply
  22. diane rincones hess

    Ahhh yes!!!

    Reply
  23. Andrea

    A beautiful reminder for us all to give thanks … thankyou Corey xx

    Reply
  24. Gayle

    I have never questioned, “why, me”. I am an ovarian cancer survivor, June 1995, 23 years. I am grateful, thankful, generous, kind and loving…all things I have learned to be because of my health blessing. We spent tens of thousands of dollars to give me the best care outside of insurance, I feel we were blessed financially to provide health to me, therefore we have shared the wealth to give health to others, to educate people and give a better quality of living to others. I sound sassy and sharp but believe me I have come to the understanding of my ‘luck’ by thinking and praying over the facts of my recovery and continued health. You are a miracle and bring so much joy, that’s WHY YOU. Love

    Reply
  25. Linda Smith

    I often wonder why God has been so gracious to me. I have done nothing to deserve it. I have concluded that I can’t understand why God does what He does, but I can be grateful and appreciative for every blessing He has given me and thank and praise Him.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions