Today, while on a walk with Gary, I recalled a spot where I fell some 20 years ago, having slipped on loose gravel at the corner of South Palo Verdi and Fiesta Drive. Suddenly we hear the squeal of wheels—then the driver jumps out to help. He quickly tells us he is an ER doctor, here, visiting friends.

“I saw you fall!” After seeing where I was hurting, he said, “You may have a fractured rib; which can hurt a lot. You could go to the ER, yet this kind of fracture can heal by itself. It takes waiting it out.”

Fortunately, we are close to home so it is not far to walk. Still, I can barely move for the pain. This is when Dr. “Good heart” pulls a bottle of pills from his pocket, places a round, white pill in my hand and says, “This will help you until you can see your doctor.” What he gave me was Tylenol #3-Codeine.

Even today, it is still hard to believe what happened. Not only the fact I stumbled over my own feet—but an emergency doctor stopped his car—“Johnny on the Spot”—to assess my status and provide a pain pill! Wow! Here is a good place to use of the word “awesome!” He was right, I only had a broken rib, but I think the experience of such amazing, sudden help was as good for me as the pill! This is an example of the kinds of things that don’t reach the news.

Rarely do I have a low moment, but today I met with a wish for the world to stop so I could catch up. Gary said, “How about taking a nap. I think that will help.” All I needed was that nudge. Upon awakening he suggested we take a walk and that is when he reminded me at the corner of “walk and don’t walk” of what happened “way back when.” I hope through the years this Good Samaritan has been blessed. Certainly, that is my prayer as for sure his name is still sacrosanct at our house!

Ours is a helping community and there seems to be good reason for that. I have heard stories of people who settled here at the community’s earliest beginnings. Before there was a Kmart, or even a full-scale grocery store, people had to drive to Kingman for diapers and baby food. Those trips were shared as this made for less time and gas spent on the road for the many shopping events.

Imagine those early days when there was no hospital. So those early people, the true pioneers, were linked in spirit and cared very much about one another’s needs. They put their “shoulder to the wheel” for the sake of others in ways that we can only imagine at this time. Love and gratitude surely flowed from house to house in many instances. This is a heritage, passed on to us.

Thanksgiving will soon be here. Many of us will be sitting at table with loved ones, most likely thinking about that for which we are thankful. This is healthy—and it enriches our spirits. Those of us who read Scripture regularly know there are benefits in positive thinking, having a thankful heart—and looking for the good in all situations.

This wisdom is verified within many Scripture passages. For instance, Proverb 17:22, indicates gratitude even benefits our physical health: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” And, Proverbs 23:7, say, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he . . .” Amazing as it may sound, our thoughts make us who we are.

Although sorrows do occur in life, we can alleviate the pain by choosing to perpetually revisit what is positive, and with faith perceive the good that lies ahead.

Remember the song . . .”Counting your many blessings, name them one by one . . . count your many blessings, see what God has done.”