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 153 – I am grateful for a lovely day with my family celebrating my brother-in-law’s birthday.
Day 154 – I am grateful for an inset day to end a lovely week of half-term fun with my children. Back to school and normal routines tomorrow.
Day 155 – I am grateful for the rain watering the roses in the garden. Also grateful for the rain because it meant the ice-cream van wasn’t parked outside school this afternoon!
Day 156 – I am grateful for the robin that hopped over to say hello while I was sharing a memory of Jessica at Hughenden Manor today and the white feather I spotted during another moment of talking about Jessica. It might be *just* a robin and a white feather, but I like to think that they’re little reminders from Jessica telling me that she is still here with me.
Day 157 – I am grateful that my orchid survived being repotted last month and is flowering again.
Day 158 – I am grateful for coffee and biscuits.
Day 159 – I am grateful for a lovely afternoon celebrating the lovely Phil’s big birthday at “Phil-Fest”.
