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Time - the treasured gift

2/24/2026

21 Comments

 
Hello, blog friends ~

I have a story to share about how life can change in an instant. On Valentine's Day, my loving husband brought me an armful of red roses. My gift was a breakfast at a favorite restaurant. When we got home, tummies full and happy, hubby decided to take a ride on his bike. Shortly after this, a friend ran breathless to our front door to tell me that my husband had been in a terrible accident. Within minutes, the blare of sirens filled the street. An ambulance took my husband to the hospital, where doctors determined he had to be airlifted to a special neuro hospital for surgery.

The happy news is that my husband was discharged yesterday. He must wear a brace for "at least" two months and cannot drive or do much of anything without assistance (mine or the walker). 

While the beautiful red roses have lost their petals, something far more glorious has taken their place - a deep gratitude for life.       

My apologies for being absent from social media. Now you understand why. Plus, there was no WiFi in the hospital. ❤️ I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day, full of laughter and tenderness....and no accidents. I think I'll never look at a rose the same again, for it has become a reminder of the gift I've too often taken for granted. 

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​Have a great week and lets celebrate the moments... 
21 Comments
John W. Howell link
2/25/2026 06:07:51

So good to hear he is on a path to recovery. It is indeed good to remember how precious life is and to be in the moment as much as possible.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
2/25/2026 15:21:22

Thank you, John. Yep, these wake-up calls help us remember the preciousness of life. ❤️

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Priscilla Bettis link
2/25/2026 07:02:12

Praise God that your husband is on the mend! What a frightening experience for both of you. I pray he recovers fully and sooner than doctors expect.

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Gwen M. Plano
2/25/2026 15:22:36

Thank you so much, Priscilla. It's going to be a journey, but I believe it will go well. ❤️

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Timothy W. Dittmer link
2/25/2026 07:55:41

It's bad your husband had the accident and had to go to the hospital, Gwen. I sure hope his recovery goes as well as possible. 💖🙏 The hospital not having a Wi-Fi for visitors and patients is strange to me.

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Gwen M. Plano
2/25/2026 15:24:43

Thank you, Tim. He was on the Intensive Care floor until the last day, so I suspect that's the reason there wasn't Wi-Fi. Sighs were everywhere that cell phones could not be used. ❤️

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Jan Sikes
2/25/2026 09:49:02

Oh, Gwen, I am so sorry to hear about Larry's accident. I know that was terrifying for both of you. Glad this story has a happy ending and I love the poem.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
2/25/2026 15:26:10

Thank you, Jan. So unexpected and scary. Anything 'neuro' is serious, but he's doing well. I'm so glad you enjoyed the poem. ❤️

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Mae Clair link
2/25/2026 09:53:07

What a dreadful and frightening accident! I'm so thankful for hubby is on the mend, Gwen. I know your strong faith will help you both through the months ahead. What a beautiful reflection you've written. I am keeping you and Larry in my prayers!

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Gwen M. Plano
2/25/2026 15:27:07

Thanks so much, Mae. We both appreciate the prayers very much. ❤️

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Jacqui link
2/25/2026 10:37:51

Hi Gwen, my heart goes out to you. What a happy ending despite the brace. Thank you for this good news.

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Gwen M. Plano
2/25/2026 15:28:46

Thank you, Jacqui. He was fortunate to have been taken to St. Joe's. They have a top-tier Neuro surgical center. ❤️

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D. L. Finn
2/25/2026 10:54:39

I am so sorry this happened, Gwen. I can't image answering the door to that news. So happy that he is recovering. We never know when things will happen or change, what a beautiful poem to express that. Sending healing hugs and will keep you both in prayers xo

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Gwen M. Plano
2/25/2026 15:30:46

Thank you, Denise. It was a horrible shock, but he is doing well now. The recovery will be slow, but in a couple of months, he'll be able to take off his neck brace and experience freedom. ❤️

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Pete Springer link
2/25/2026 23:32:12

So sorry to read about your husband, Gwen, but glad that he is going to be okay. I remember when one of the teachers at our school brought in the bicycle helmet that her husband was wearing when he was involved in an accident. It was cracked in two. He somehow made it home, but didn't remember how, suffering from a concussion.

If I recall you folks live in the southwest. My wife and I are heading to Arizona this weekend as part of an early 40th anniversary present. We're going to an exhibition baseball game and have booked a hot air balloon ride.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
2/26/2026 14:34:45

Thank you, Pete. Larry wasn't wearing a helmet, unfortunately. And, yes, we live in Northern Arizona. It's beautiful today, so I'm hoping you have the same for the ball game and the hot air balloon ride. ❤️

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Thomas Wikman link
2/26/2026 00:16:28

I am so sorry about the accident but it is great to know that your husband is recovering.

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Gwen M. Plano
2/26/2026 14:31:33

Thank you, Thomas. He's on the mend, step by wobbly step. 😊

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Liz Gauffreau link
2/26/2026 05:38:56

I'm so sorry to hear your husband was injured! What a relief that he is recovering.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
2/26/2026 14:30:51

Thank you, Liz. Each day, he's a little stronger. ❤️

Reply
Annette Aben link
3/3/2026 12:08:08

((( <3 )))

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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