In response to:
A grateful heart and attitude can definitely get as through many hardships - Attitude is everything!
So may be all make the best of what we have been given and remember that we are lucky to still be here to enjoy it; while many others have left or will never experience even the slightest hint of what we have been blessed with.
God says that He doesn't give us more than what we can handle in the way of turmoil - and I believe its true that strength/courage is honed in those times of adversity.
This is really nicely said - and echoes my own sentiments. Gratitude can get you through much.
I had a follow-up appointment with the doctor yesterday afternoon. This was almost exactly one month after, or, just before the holidays. He said something I took to heart - "you sure look and sound better than the last time I saw you." I pondered this on the way home.
I think there was a huge sigh of relief in that the holidays were over - this was a tough one. That, or in this New Year, I am trying to embrace everything that is right with this life. Either way, gratitude works.