Happy Thanksgiving!

Years ago, when I first broke free from the house I grew up in and moved out on my own into an apartment, I met twin brothers that lived in the same building. Phil and Pete. I briefly dated Phil but we decided we got along better as just friends. Through the years we stayed in touch.

A few weeks ago, I got an email from Pete. Phil suffered a stroke. He's 52, has a great wife and 5 awesome kids. The stroke left him paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak. He was life flighted to Cleveland Clinic and now is at rehab at Metrohealth.

Yesterday, I went to visit Phil. I didn't know what to expect and was actually pretty scared to see him. But I knew I had to go. Pete wanted me to go. I was surprised when I got there, because the last update email I got from Pete, Phil was starting to talk again, but in one syllable words. He still has trouble speaking, but it's now in multi syllables. He still can't walk but they are working on that and he can eat. We had a real nice visit. In the end, he's still the same old Phil. What makes him sad right now is that he desperately misses his kids and because of H1N1 they are not allowed to go to the hospital to visit. I told him that he needs to focus on his kids and fight to get better so he can run around with them again. I know Phil and I know he will beat this!

On this day that we give thanks, I would like to say that I'm thankful for the life I have. Visiting Phil made me realize that we just never know what life is going to throw at us. And we really do have to make the most of what we have everyday!!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!