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 265 – I am grateful that Sophie is feeling better this evening having been unwell today.
Day 266 – I am grateful that Sophie is so helpful and caring with her little brother – so lovely to see her holding his hand when he toddles about.
Day 267 – I am grateful for time to relax in the evening, catching up on some University Challenge with hubby (and yes this is him on it nearly 20 years ago!)
Day 268 – I am grateful for the spammy phone call that made me pick up my phone and notice the time so that I just about got home in time to pick this little lady up from school. Was enjoying having lunch with my lovely friends from church and hadn’t realised quite how late it was! Grateful for the lovely lunch with friends too and managing to get out of the house again now that Sophie is feeling better and back at school!
Day 269 – I am grateful for Grandma buying Thomas’s first pair of shoes. Having been barefoot all summer, he’s a little unsure what to make of them but is starting to get the hang of walking in them!
Day 270 – I am grateful for the Macmillan coffee morning cake sale after school today – and surely being in aid of a good cause must make this calorie free!
Day 271 – I am grateful to be enjoying performing again. Really enjoyed our two sessions singing through the songs for The Sound of Music today at intu to help promote the show.
