This week I picked up some nasty bug and my vocal chords took a vacation. I was talking in a whisper for a couple days, but my voice is slowly returning.

Since I couldn't talk, I couldn't work. Nor could I make myself understood or say "hello" in the grocery store.

Anyway, I became frustrated and even wrote about it online. That's when I began thinking about people who can't talk -- ever.

It's hard for those of us who don't have disabilities to know what those who do endure.

There are those with physical and those with mental disabilities that we cross paths with every day.

I'm going to challenge myself and you, to be thankful for what you have whether it be physical health, a place to live, a smile to share or a hug to give.

And for those out there with disabilities please note that I'm not for one minute thinking I know how it is for you.

This week's illness is a lesson for me to be more compassionate, more thankful for what life's given me.

I hope you will take notice too.