Since 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 104 – I am grateful for Jessica. My little miracle, my joy carrier, you made me a mummy and what a joy it was to have six and a half years with you. I will always wish it could have been longer whilst being thankful for the time we had. Miss you always my sweet girl. I am grateful too for the love and support from friends and family, for everyone who shared their smiles and joined in to #givejoyforjessica. Thank you all. You helped make me smile on what has been a very tough day.
Day 105 – I am grateful for this beautiful painting of us that arrived in the post today. What a wonderful surprise that gave me a little moment of joy in what has been a tough morning.
Day 106 – I am grateful that Thomas was happy to join in with Sophie’s tea party although I am sure that being fed pretend food must have been a bit disappointing for him.
Day 107 – I am grateful for a lovely day catching up with some of my siblings.
Day 108 – I am grateful for ice cream.
Day 109 – I am grateful for getting to see the new lambs at Chiltern Open Air Museum this afternoon.
Day 110 – I am grateful for a productive day getting things for Sophie and Thomas’s room. Sophie loved seeing the big chicken when we popped into Uxbridge to print out the photos to go up next to her new bed.