Since the beginning of 2016, 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 90 – I am grateful to be a mummy to three wonderful children. Today has been a tough one but there have been happy memories as well as tears. Sending love to all those who have found today hard too xx
Day 91 – I am grateful for afternoon tea.
Day 92 – I am grateful for sleepy sofa snuggles.
Day 93 – I am grateful for time with Sophie making an Easter bonnet.
Day 94 – I am grateful that Thomas coped well with coming along to a church meeting this evening – he was quite chatty and tried to share his views on things before he went off to sleep in the sling but sadly nobody was fluent enough in babytalk to be able to translate.
Day 95 – I am grateful for this beautiful flower basket sent by some of my lovely blogger friends to let me know that they are thinking of us and Jessica. Thank you all so much.
Day 96 – I am grateful for Little Hearts Matter and the support they give to children with single ventricle heart conditions and their families. Attending their open day for the first time without Jessica was emotional but it was also lovely to see other heart family friends and to be reminded that we are still part of the heart family community. Lovely too to see Jessica’s book on the information stand and to be able to help other families prepare for surgery through it.