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 13 – I am grateful that Jessica is still in the thoughts and prayers of her friends at Girls’ Brigade. Spotted this on our church’s prayer board this morning, written by one of Jessica’s friends in Explorers. Means a lot to know she is still remembered. We came home from hospital after her Fontan a year ago today.
Day 14 – I am grateful for having an extra pair of hands around with my mum staying and being able to get on with various jobs while Thomas is kept entertained.
Day 15 – I am grateful for this beautiful vase that was a lovely thoughtful Christmas gift from a friend. I shared this bouquet of flowers with Jessica when we visited her forever bed today and we also went to the woodcarving studio to see how her memorial is coming along.
Day 16 – I am grateful for the adorable baby clothes that have been passed on to Thomas.
Day 17 – I am grateful for an afternoon walk on a cold sunny day.
Day 18 – I am grateful for a picnic tea in between ballet and Girls’ Brigade.
Day 19 – I am grateful for Duolingo. I made a resolution three years ago to try and improve my French, practising a little each day. This morning I hit a 1000-day streak. I’m a long way off being fluent but my French is definitely much better than it was three years ago!
Wow Louise, after everything you’ve been through recently I’ve always been incredibly impressed that you keep going with your gratitude challenge. The fact you’ve managed a 1000 day streak with learning French as well is amazing. You really are inspirational.
Nat.x
Thank you Nat. It’s just been a few minutes each day and there have been a few streak freezes along the way but I’m glad I’ve managed to keep it up x
Well done for keeping up with learning French, it sounds like such a poetic and romantic language.
What a lovely note to find on the prayer board, children can surprise us can’t they. Isabella made my grandmother a card at school which said (in Welsh) that she was sorry about Taidy and that we had a sad Christmas without him.
xxx
Oh what a lovely card for Isabella to make for your grandmother. I do love the way children can surprise us like that x