Catholic Singles

JUST ME
BY: MARK ANTHONY ROSOLOWSKI

When I wake up in the morning, I look up and say "Good Morning, God it's just me" then I continue with "Thank you for today." Then I struggle to get into a sitting position, wait till my normal dizziness subsides, I grab my cane and try to stand up. After several attempts I am finally able to stand and I make my way to the bathroom. From the time I say thank you to God to when I am on my way to the bathroom approximately 15 minutes have passed.

I was in the hospital a few months ago, I woke up and said my normal, Good morning God, it's just me, thank you for another day," I then struggled to get out of bed and slowly made my way to the bathroom. When I came out of the bathroom my roommate asked me what I have to be thankful for, look at all the health problems I have, he added you have nothing to be thankful for.

I just smiled and said, "If I have to tell you, then you will never understand." I walked back to my side of the room and sat down in my chair. As I sat there I picked up my Rosary, as I started to pray, I silently asked Mary to please help my roommate to understand what we all have to be thankful for everyday.

As I prayed I meditated on what I say everyday and what was said to me, I smiled when I thought of all the things that I have and the reasons why I must thank God everyday.

So what do I have, that I can be thankful for when I can not walk without a cane, I can not get out of bed without a struggle, I have diminished feeling in my right foot, with diminished use of my right hand. My wife died and within two years my sister of the same affliction that I have. Yes, what do I have to be thankful for, why do I not hold resentment for what life has given me.

I can see the sunshine, I can hear the birds sing, I can hug my granddaughter, I hear my granddaughter say “I love you Poppy.” I am able to think, talk, I have an artistic skill with words, and I see beauty everywhere I look. I can smell the flowers, I can watch children play, and I can still walk with a loved one, slow and not as far but can still do it. I can hear music, I can enjoy a movie, I can attend church and I can love God with all my heart.

There is a lot more I can do, so why focus on the things I cannot do, we all need to focus on what we can do, when you focus on what you can do the you can’t do seems so small. So, yes every morning I will wake up, say “God, it’s just me. Thank you.”