I'm The Boss of Me - Becoming the Leader in Your Own Life, Wilmington, NC (2026)

04/19/2026

Choosing Gratitude

Gratitude.

As most know, the last few days have been stressful with my little Count Louie being quite sick with heart disease. As I try to do (not always successfully) when I'm struggling is find some gratitude. In the last 48 hours, I have had several people who have given me that gratitude.

In addition to so many messages from friends who were sending up prayers for my boy. And, there were so many, I could not thank them all here.

The first is my fairly new yet really nice neighbor who came to pick me up at the vet because I was crying, and she was afraid of me driving alone. Then she and her daughter took me back a few hours later, as we needed to transfer Count Louie to a different treatment location and to get my car. They stayed with me, took care of me, and kept me from feeling alone. I'm verklempt at the generosity of people I've known for such a short time.

My friend Rita, who came to keep me company since it would be my first night in my apartment without the Count. Of course, she also brought wine. The lady knows me.

Then, there is my dear friend and amazing veterinarian in Saratoga Springs, who was on the phone and texting me throughout, providing the trusted advice I needed, and I can't even express the appreciation I have for Dr. Joy Lucas. If you live in or near Saratoga Springs, NY, and need a vet, there is none better or who cares more.

My dear childhood friend (since we were 4 yo) has been on the phone. Hearing her voice and knowing she so understands has been calming.

My dear Michel Madigan and Rhonda King are opening their homes to me so Louie and I can spend time in Saratoga Springs, and the always spiritual and comforting Natalie Sillary keeps me sane.

Then, just now, a former colleague and friend I have not had contact with (other than Facebook) since we both moved away from Saratoga Springs called. I am so honored that she thought so much as to call rather than just leave a message. Of course, sh is a true animal lover as am I.

Main point! Gratitude! Finding out how many wonderful and caring people there are in this world.

And, now for the best: Count Louie is home, resting, eating, and breathing well. For now, he is stable, and between Dr. Lucas and me (I will be in Saratoga Springs next week), we will do all we can to keep him that way. I know that he will, at some point, have another episode, and this will shorten his life. Yet, I have time with him and one day at a time (hoping for many), I will love him, pamper him (not like I didn't already), and be grateful for each one.