I'm Grateful

My birthday was a few days ago. As I do every year on my birthday I became very nostalgic about the last year of my life. What I came up with was the opening line from Charles Dickens's, A Tale Of Two Cities: "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." I have never understood this line the way I do now.

After a year when I lost my mother and also celebrated the birth of my daughter. I can truly say, it was one of the best and worst years of my life.
Having a loving daughter and learning, laughing, and growing with her was the pinnacle of most of my days. She is such a joy to be around. Watching her grow showed me that children are a miracle. It seems like I just brought her home and she is already talking and trying to walk.

On the other hand, as I was learning to be a mother, I lost my mother. This was a serious blow to me. I never thought that my daughter would grow up without her grandmother. Nor did I imagine a life where my mother would not be here to guide me. Yet, I am faced with both of these realities.

As I reflected on both of these major life events, there were only two words that I could say. "I’m grateful." I am grateful for the gift of life. The life of my daughter and the life of my mother. I am grateful that my mom is in a better place. I am grateful that she is no longer suffering. Grateful, for the time I had with her and the things she put in me. I am grateful for my own life; grateful that God allowed me to see another year. Yes, even though last year was trying, I am yet grateful. And I believe that the best is yet to come! What is it that you believe about the life that is ahead of you?

Despite what kind of day, month, or year you’ve had. When you really think about it you too have something to be grateful for and about. If nothing, be grateful that you have the mind and eyes to see and comprehend this blog. Many people don’t. You have life, so you have something to be grateful about.

When your life seems to be filled with the best and the worst of the times, remember that it only gets better from here. Regardless of how you feel, open up your mouth and say these two words, "I’m Grateful." And that's all I have to say...