For three years, I have taken part in a daily gratitude challenge, sharing a photo of one thing I am thankful for each day on Instagram. There have been days when finding little things to be grateful for has been very easy to do and others when it has been incredibly hard. Life as a bereaved parent is quite a rollercoaster at times. There have been many moments when I don’t feel grateful for anything at all – just broken and bruised. However, looking for those little moments has helped me even on the darkest of days. Hard though it may be at times, I have always managed to find something to be thankful for.
My eldest daughter Jessica was an inspiration to me throughout her short life. She had so much strength and such a wonderful zest for life. Her godmother described her once as a “joy carrier” and it was the perfect description for her. She was a little ray of sunshine, full of smiles and gave joy to all who knew her. I am, and will always be, grateful to be her mummy. She taught me to enjoy the little moments and to make the most of everyday because tomorrow is never promised. I continue with this challenge in honour of my beautiful brave girl.
If you would like to join me in a daily gratitude challenge for 2019, do feel free to use the hashtag #LHBL365daysofgratitude2019 on Instagram so I can find your posts there.
Day 69 – I am grateful for vest extenders helping Thomas’s vests fit properly over the cloth nappies.
Day 70 – I am grateful that Sophie enjoys school so much and is clearly thriving there. Was a very proud mummy after speaking to her teacher at parents’ evening tonight.
Day 71 – I am grateful to be back in my pre-pregnancy jeans!
Day 72 – I am grateful that Sophie had so much fun playing with her cousin this afternoon. It was so lovely to see the Playmobil out again. It was always a favourite with the girls but has been played with so rarely since Jessica died.
Day 73 – I am grateful for a lovely surprise parcel with little thoughtful treats for us all, including some mosaic pictures which Sophie enjoyed doing after school.
Day 74 – I am grateful that Jessica is appearing more frequently in Sophie’s drawings and that she seems to be talking about her big sister a little more now too.
Day 75 – I am grateful for time chatting with school mum friends while watching Sophie having fun with her friends at a birthday party.
