Thursday, July 16, 2009

Good Fortune

"Black cat, cross my path,
Good fortune bring to home and hearth
When I am away from home,
Bring me luck wherever I roam."


I just love this old English black cat charm, and of course, as someone who's owned by a black cat (and several others) I know them to be good luck. ;)

This handsome fellow is painted on a pine plaque, after our own Mr. Merlin, and is listed on eBay now. I haven't told Merlin he's famous yet, 'cause he already thinks he's all that and a bag of chips, hehe.

So yes.....good fortune. Been thinking about it a lot lately, as we face some challenges around here, and I've come to the conclusion that just like our friend the black cat here, a great deal of fortune depends on our perception. I mean, we really can choose to see life's challenges as either stumbling blocks or opportunities; as a reason to complain or a reason to celebrate.

Those of you who've been reading here for a while know that my husband John went through heart surgery last year to repair a damaged mitral valve. Complications and heart failure followed, so recovery has been a bit of an uphill battle.

Well, long story short, we found out yesterday he needs another surgery - most likely an artificial heart valve this time.

Not the news we'd hoped to hear.

But then, maybe it is. Because it means there IS something that can be done. There IS a fix. What a blessing that is! To be living in a time when life saving surgeries like this are even possible. It's a miracle, don't you think?

We'll know more next week, but in the meantime, we're taking it one day at a time. We have each other, we have our beautiful daughter living close by now, we have an amazing support system of family and friends, and we have our optimism.

And that's fortunate. ;)

♥ Carolee

8 comments:

Yasmin said...

I feel a lot that your husband is going by that again but like you same he says you have a lot of luck of having each other of there being a lot of love in your family.
We have to hug what have and to thank the whole day to the Creator the opportunity of one more day.
We have family a home a work and love of the ones that more liked or be have the whole luck of the world.
I love your new work adore how makes these beautiful cats.
God blesses you.
Hugs
yasmin

Chicken Lips said...

Beautiful cat! My Gosh, but your talented!

My best wishes and good thoughts for your husband!

Kathleen Coy said...

What a handsome and charming kitty, I love him!

Sending lots of love and positive thoughts to you and your husband...

Hugs,
Kathleen

Jo James said...

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦Positive thoughts and well wishes headed your way, Carolee, for your sweetie.♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

Kristen Beason said...

Optimism is everything! Another beautiful cat piece!

Kristen

Julie said...

I wish your dear husband total success and recovery ~ thank goodness he has you and you have each other....
And this cat is awesome! It reminds me of my sweet kitty Boo.
Have a great weekend x

Janine said...

Mr merlin is a handsome guy.
I love that one as well as the kitchen witch

Anonymous said...

Carolee -
you have the most wonderful and positive attitude of anyone I've ever met (or not met in this case, LOL). If only everyone could have your outlook on life. As always, I will keep you both in my thoughts & prayers:)
Jamie C.