Gratitude

grat·i·tude

noun /ˈgratəˌt(y)o͞od/  The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness - she expressed her gratitude to the committee for their support It's a new year, a clean slate. It's when we make new resolutions,or just add on to the list, things we didn't get accomplished in the previous years. As I grow older, it's the little things that matter most to me now. An anonymous note left on my doorstep (by a certain granddaughter next door), a call from a son to check on me or ask me to meet them for lunch, or my husband- starting my bath water so it will be ready when I am. Also, with age, I have learned I have so much to be grateful for. In August, we will have been married for 40 years. I still have both parents living; even though mom is in a nursing home with Altziemer's, I still get to see and speak with her. My father, almost 90, is independent, living on his own, still drives and sits with mom everyday with 65 plus years of marriage to their credit. I still enjoy lunch with my dad every Tuesday and Thursday. Those outings are precious to me. God has blessed us with 2 godly sons and daughter in laws. We have 4 precious granddaughters that are healthy and teach us everyday about life. We have a roof over our head, food to eat, and my husband still has the same job as an agent for Farmer's Insurance for 38 years. Our health, though we have had our ups and downs, could be alot worse. We have wonderful family and friends. They have supported us through the good and the bad, and and they have laughed and cried with us. We know they are always a phone call away. We are especially grateful for a special friend this week. Pat and Robbie are dear friends of ours. Pat and I have been friends for almost 50 years and Robbie and Richard grew up in the same neighborhood, and have remained friends through out the years. Robbie has been on the transplant list for quite sometime now. After many trial runs to the hospital, minutes away from surgery, it would not be a match. This past Wednesday night, God blessed Robbie with his new liver. He is doing so well; he is already out of ICU and in a private room. They are talking about sending him home on Monday. I am thankful for donor's family; from their death, many lives were saved. When I saw this "gratitude journal" on "Papertreyink" website, I knew I had to make some. It's a small gift, but a way to count your blessings and write down the things we are grateful for. I was honored to be able to give my first one to Pat and Robbie. I pray each time they look at it, they will remember it is a sign of God's love and many blessings. So I hope as you read this, know that I am grateful for you,whether you are family, friends, or a fellow blogger. I hope you stop and count your blessings,be grateful for all you have, and don't forget to share them with others.