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 132 – I am grateful that the sun came out for a lovely birthday barbecue to end my 40th birthday celebrations. Thank you so much to everyone who helped and came along and made it such a fun afternoon.
Day 133 – I am grateful that I now have double the amount of drying space on my washing line since hubby restrung it and for a nice sunny day to get the washing out.
Day 134 – I am grateful that it is now warm enough for summer dresses at school. It was bittersweet putting Sophie in a summer dress today – they didn’t get worn last year and I remember how much Jessica loved wearing them two years ago. Oh how I wish it could have been two little girls going off to school today in their summer dresses. Lovely to see how happy Sophie was to be wearing hers though.
Day 135 – I am grateful that we’ve managed to use up most of the leftover bread rolls from Sunday’s barbecue. I did a few different fillings and had a party food tea yesterday; there are croutons and breadcrumbs in the freezer and this bread and butter pudding has helped use up some more of the rolls as well as the surplus milk.
Day 136 – I am grateful for the beautiful rhododendrons at Langley Park and a lovely after-school walk around the Temple Gardens.
Day 137 – I am grateful for the pretty dragonfly my friend gave me to go in my garden in memory of Jessica.
Day 138 – I am grateful for a lovely afternoon celebrating my friends’ wedding anniversary and catching up with good friends from my university days.
