The biggest blessings I received during this time all revolve around the theme of feeling cared for and thought of.

Here are some big ones that stuck out as beautiful bright spots during the dark times.

• Check-In Texts

This wins, hands down, and is the simplest of things. All it took was seeing “hey bud, how are you doing?” to feel a bit lighter. It showed me that I had people in my circle who knew things weren’t instantly fine after surgery. That was the validation I desired. I had friends who knew I was in pain, sad, and discouraged and made a choice to show up for me.

• Home cooked meals.

This is honestly one of the biggest blessings you can give someone who is going through something tough. It was so nice for my family to not have to worry about dinner for a few nights. And the consideration that was put into my post-op dietary restrictions was incredibly meaningful.

• Care packages!

The friends and family from afar who sent me packages full of goodies were so dang thoughtful! It was like I was opening up sunshine! Socks, face masks, puzzles, books, candies, trinkets, candles, and inspirational messages filled the boxes and my heart. I definitely want to be the person to send these out more often!

• Word Search/Sudoku Book

Waiting room anxiety is real. It can be hard to not have anything to do while waiting for appointments. You may be too distracted to read, and too sick to your stomach to scroll through social media. These activity books were the perfect distraction.

• Giant teddy bears

My brother could not resist buying me two gigantic bears while I was in surgery. He had them propped up greeting me when I came home that night. My cousins, not knowing my brother had gotten me these, sent me another giant bear in the mail. It popped out of this air tight box and cracked me up. Definitely lifted my spirits.

• Letters.

Words are definitely my love language. The people who took the time to write me meant the world. Bonus points for ones on pen and paper!

• Flowers

Flowers are such a thoughtful gesture. My room was covered in pinks, yellows, oranges, and reds and it brightened everything up so nicely.

If you find yourself hesitating to send a message, or do something nice for people going through something, don’t! For me personally, every gesture was thoroughly appreciated and did so much good for my headspace.

A simple act can go a long way.