While at the hospital with Phil today waiting for his surgery to be completed, I sat in a quiet waiting room with large windows that looked out over a lush green garden filled with native plants. The wind was really blowing but this garden was sheltered by several walls of the hospital. Flanked with iron gates made by a Port Townsend artist, I was able to find some peace from the anxieties that raced through my mind.

We have a small local hospital with views of the water from nearly every patient's room. It is quiet and clean and filled with local artwork. We were greeted by the staff, many of whom we knew from the shop and around town. What could have been a very unpleasant experience just wasn't. I sat and waited, looking at the garden and knitted, lost in my own revelry and grateful for the love I felt from my community. Grateful also for the care my husband was receiving and will continue to receive as he works his way through his recovery. Tonight, I feel blessed to have been a small part of something that works in my town.

Now, if we could all have medical insurance at an affordable rate so that we could get the care we need and not be consumed with worry. Fortunately, Phil is eligible for medicare and he has supplemental insurance. If I had needed to be in the hospital, I would be thinking of costs, bills and not thinking of healing.

Anyhow, I am so thankful for everyone's thoughts and prayers for Phil today. I am truly a blessed woman!