Overdue Gratitude

I find great joy and wonder in the smallest joys, and whisper "Thank you" to the powers that be. Today, my cup runneth over!

Why today? I really don't know. It seems as if I am just more aware, and perhaps in a better frame of mind. Honestly, part of my gratitude is mundane, but I haven't truly said thank you in a long time. So what's the big deal?

My CPAP - Three days in a row I've achieved a 100 report. That means I slept enough and didn't have any issues at all. 

My Medicare check up - Overall, everything is fine! I'm 66 and I take 3 drugs that I've taken for years. No changes. My weight is steady. My heart and lungs are good. I have throw rugs in my house and I can still care for myself and my home on my own. Labs - clear and strong!

I got to talk to both my brothers and my sister-in-law last week. I could call any time, and I had to share bad news, but it was a comfort to hear their voices.

My therapist - Thank God I quit avoiding and started what I needed to do 15 years ago. It isn't a miracle cure, but I have the advantage of ranting to someone who doesn't have an opinion in the argument! (And I love her!!)

My bestie - Lord knows, I don't think I'd have survived the last 15 years without her. I don't thank the powers enough for introducing her to me 34 years ago! Honest, loyal, and fun. Can't beat that.

The little cousins - What a hoot! They call us Uncle Frank and Aunt Vici, and despite their energy level of Mach 5, I am so grateful they leave us with "Bye! Love you!" every single time. And getting to know the big cousins again!

The lost dogs - I'm grateful, honestly, that we know where they are and they aren't splattered on a highway. They are just scared and we can't catch them. 

All dogs - Grateful for those we have and grateful we can help foster for others. 

The farm - How lucky are we to be on this place, with so many memories surrounding us? Days like today! The sky is blue, every blade and leaf is green, birds singing, bird watching, porch sitting because it is cool in the shade. Nothing prettier than red/white-faced heifers in the brome with a dazzling blue sky! And rain? Almost daily for over a week!

Even shopping at Sam's today. Well, let me back up - when the tech was taking my blood, we were talking about having a pantry (weird, I know). I told her how my mom taught me, and I was pretty sure we'd never starve!  However, that's just one of the lessons I'm grateful for from my parents. Sure, practical stuff like
changing a tire or mending jeans. More importantly, the ones about compassion, generosity, grace and forgiveness, which I think made us pretty good people.

In just a couple of days, May 31, Frank and I will celebrate our 45th anniversary. If I needed to whisper "Thank you" to anyone, it is Frank. He has been a steady rock to lean on thru every tragedy and disappointment. We've been through health scares, cancer, two teenagers, and we still laugh at and with each other. Yes, we fight when we build fence, but when we are done, we congratulate one another on a job completed. We have helped each other be better people. I think we have another 20 years in us!

It didn't take me but 30 minutes today to thank God for my health, the joys around me, and my family. Make your list! It won't take long.