A few days before Thanksgiving, my grandfather passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. That was extremely sad in itself, but then add to it that the day after Thanksgiving, my grandmother on the other side of my family ended up needing to be moved permanently into a nursing home. I've known for a while that she was deteriorating, and I thought that I was prepared... but nothing can truly prepare you for the day when someone you love can't remember your name. Mix in some holiday stress and a busy basketball season, and boom!
In the midst of the heartaches we've had recently, I know I have a charmed life, so I sat down to capture them. I knew if I really put my mind to it, I could come up with some good things... it was just in the busy moments that all I could think of was the negative.
I came across my list again today. Here are my 100 blessings. When faced with a bad day, or week, or month, (or year, but hopefully not!) I challenge you to come up with 100 too!
I AM THANKFUL:
1. That I have healthy children.
2. For the gift of two children.
3. That I have a kind helpful, responsible and loving husband.
4. For being married to a man that loves his children and wants to be a good father.
5. That my husband and I agree on all the big things like kids, money, moral issues and religion.
6. That I can trust 110% that my husband is and will remain faithful to me. No doubt.
7. For God, His unconditional love, grace, mercy and promise.
8. For new running socks that don't fall down and are cushy.
9. For coffee.
10. That I was able to put together really healthy snacks/lunch for today.
11. That our fridge is full of food.
12. That we can pay for all our bills.
13. That we can afford a few extras like new jeans, or shoes or a dinner out.
14. That I grew up in a safe home.
15. That I good parents that were responsible, loving and worked hard to provide for us.
16. That my dad made the decision to quit drinking when I was fairly young, and
17. That I don't remember much prior to that! :)
18. That I have a mom I can also call my friend.
19. That I was able to get a college education.
20. That I'm done paying for my college education.
21. That we have a savings account and a few investments.
22. That I have a reliable, newer car that is safe for my kids to ride in.
23. That I have grandparents that raised my parents to be good people.
24. That I have a part time job that pays me well enough to make it worth working, but that I'm also able to stay home most of the time.
25. That I work for a company with solid family values.
26. That my husband has a job that makes a difference in the world (teacher).
27. That we have amazing health insurance and I rarely have to pay much out of pocket.
28. That I can afford nice Christmas presents for my family.
29. That my family has the means to properly care for my aging grandparents.
30. That our parish has a fantastic priest that is perpetually positive and radiates God's love.
31. That our church has dependable volunteers that work at the pre-school age children's ministry, Little Angels.
32.That we have safe housing.
33. That we have good neighbors.
34. That I am healthy (except for an irritating cold)
35. That I have a sharp mind.
36. That I am able bodied.
37. That I have a gym membership that keeps me sane.
38. That we have an awesome local library that Grady loves going to.
39. That we have an indoor park, a dry place to play on Tuesday mornings to burn off energy!
40. For Graeme's dimples. They make me smile. No. Matter. What
41. For Graeme's belly laugh.
42. That Grady is whip smart.
43. That Grady is creative and loves to pretend.
44. That Grady loves to read.
45. That Grady is social and really loves people.
46. That the boys love each other (so far).
47. That I have a great sister that my kids LOVE.
48. That I have amazing in-laws: generous, kind, good people that are easy to get along with!
49. That I have had two healthy pregnancies.
50. That I have had two straightforward baby deliveries.
51. That I live in a country with reliable healthcare.
52. That I have the right to vote.
53. That I have the right to complain freely about my government.
54. That I generally don't have to worry about my safety as I go about my daily business.
55. For my iPhone, which sounds shallow, but it is an extension of my brain.
56. For the internet, and access to information 24/7
57. For Facebook, which keeps me connected with people I have met throughout my life.
58. That I have great friends that are honest, loyal, and mature.
59. That I had several outfits to pick from this morning.
60. That we have a washer and dryer that works.
61. That we have a nice home in a safe area.
62. That the Ducks won the Civil War game.
63. That I got a huge stack of beautiful new fabric this weekend.
64. That I have a sewing machine.
65. For a fun, bright boss with family and moral values that are similar to mine.
66. That my husband has a coaching gig that he really loves being a part of.
67. That my grandma was moved into a nursing home literally 2 minutes from my house so I can go and visit her often.
68. That my grandpa lived a long full life and didn't suffer when he died.
69. That I got to be there for his final breath.
70. For his example in my life.
71. For carbs, cheese and wine on a bad week.
72. For my children's smiles on a bad day
73.That during my career, I have had really great bosses - smart, humble, family oriented
74. That I have had a successful career, albeit a short one thus far, but I've gotten to do and learn things I wanted to
75. That I have had some great co-workers (within my department, those that I've had to work closest with)
76. That I work for a company that is financially stable.
77.That I live close to the beach, mountains, forest, and high-desert.
78.That I live in Oregon. It is such a beautiful area of the country and has few natural disasters
79. That we had a peaceful morning and all got out the door on time.
80. That I live close to my extended family.
81. That my kids have cousins that are close to their age.
82. To know that if we lost our jobs, money, house, and everything we own, we have parents that would let us move back in.
83. That we live in a small, safe, thriving, family oriented community
84. For all the little conveniences I take for granted that most of the world doesn't have the luxury of like: clean water,
85. and hot showers,
86. and a variety of fresh fruits and veggies at the store,
87. and access to medicine,
88. and electricity,
89. and heat that I can just turn on with the flip of a switch,
90. and a home with floors, windows, and doors that lock,
91. and a bed with a soft mattress and several blankets,
92. and shoes,
93. and coats.
94. That we have a nice big, fenced backyard.
95. That we live within walking distance of five different parks.
96. That baby G loves to ride in the stroller,
97. and that big G loves to play outside.
98. That work was quiet today so I could get a lot done.
99. That we have a microwave so I can reheat my coffee a dozen times
100. That I got to live for 28 years with all 4 grandparents alive.
101. That I can actually think of 100 things that I am blessed with!!!!
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