It's a great day for soup!

I have to share this story with you.  It is about someone with the most amazing spirit.  His name is Andrew; he's the teenage the son of a friend on mine.  

A bit of back-story about Andrew.  He has already experienced a few physical challenges in his short life.  Recently a dramatic turn of events put him in the hospital.  He was in a coma for a few days, endured major surgery (involving his digestive tract) and is now on the road to recovery.  He's still spending a lot of time in hospital and will be for a while.  Even after all of that, it doesn't appear to have dampened his enthusiasm or positive attitude.  Here's the update I got from my friend.
  
"Every day, three times a day for the past month, the hospital food cart has parked right outside Andrew's room to deliver meals to all the patients except him.  The cruel irony has not passed him by.  But he never despaired.  He just commented on the type of food being served and smiled.

Well, last night the food Santa delivered a meal for Andrew.  His eyes lit right up at the sight of the tray waiting for him in his room. A glorious three course meal of clear soup, jello and apple juice.

"It's a great day for soup!" announced Andrew, like some profound declaration of independence.

Couple that with an 6 hour furlough each day to go home in his street clothes, walk his dog and play some Wii, things have gotten a little more normal for the kid. Slow and steady.

That's the latest and greatest. Hope this finds you well."


What a wonderful lesson in finding joy in the most unexpected place.  It's humbling and inspires me to slow down, notice how fortunate I am and to feel grateful for what I have.