Gratitude

I have learned a lot about gratitude lately and what it means to be thankful for what I have versus what I wish I had. It isn't the time of year that I'd expect to have these lessons be a part of my life but it is the right time nonetheless. I usually wait until Thanksgiving to say what I'm thankful for but the time is now.

I have a fantastic family. After arguing with my Grandma last week and realizing that it was stupid to do so, I'm grateful to still have her around. She's 85 this year and I vividly remember a horrific day a couple of years ago when I thought she might not be here much longer.
My Sister is a wonderful mother and I have 2 nephews and a niece whom I love, more than any other people in the world. They are the coolest little people and each one has taught me more than the next about love and and what it "unconditional" means.
My Mom is someone that I can't imagine going more than 2-3 days without talking to. She blew me off for the Celebrity Apprentice tonight but I totally understand that. She loves the show. I think that is so cool. There are few shows she truly loves and that is one of them. I don't know why but that entertains me. Also, I watch that show just to make sure we can talk about it.
My Dad is someone that I didn't talk to much over the past 20 years and is my step-dad but in recent years, I have come to love him too. I don't know him well and may never know him well but I've seen in his eyea kindness that though he can't express, I know is there. I think in another time, he would have been the heroic perfect father.

I have excellent friends. I had a party today. It was simple with Kabobs that I skewered with care, Couscous Salad and some fresh veggies with hummus, some yummy (yes, I said "yummy") Tzaziki and Cilantro Yogurt dips. Everything was wonderful. It was a great day. There was no stress and only a little sun, a fun lawn game (kind of like "Toss Across") and Band Hero. Oh...S'mores. Cupcakes. it was all delicious. And the company; we laughed and talked and laughed some more.

I know right now what it means to be grateful. I had a wonderful day.

I miss my brother very deeply today too. I somehow think that he might have been here with me and been a part of it all. I used to think about taking him in and saving him. I didn't. And that, I regret. But, I am grateful for what I have and who I have and tomorrow, I will try to remember that again.

What simple things are you grateful for? Try to remember what those are and try to live with them and celebrate them.

Love.