One. Two. Three.

He has all ten toes.

But he doesn’t have restful nights or anxiety free days.

He has his arms and his sight. He is talented, and loving. Kind. He can walk, he can run, and though he doesn’t have total use of both his hands, he can paint and write.

But he has horrible nightmares, flashbacks, guilt, anger.

He has his voice, he has his memories, good and bad.

But he has lost so much.

He has many things. Much more than what he’s lost. He is alive. Focus. Focus on what he has, not on what he has not.

This is important. Focus on what you and your loved one have. Focus on what can be gained. We’ve been to counseling a few times and I’ve watched Chris and his counselor talk like old buddies. They spoke of places and things both experienced. Spoke of loss. But they also each spoke of what they still had, what they had gained. It was a good lesson, a good experience.

Why?

Because he still has all ten toes.

Breathe.  Focus.  Count to ten, and move forward.