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.
Day 335 – I am grateful for a lovely afternoon at the BACCES panto and getting to see one of our WOS friends performing.
Day 336 – I am grateful for having my sister here for the last couple of days.
Day 337 – I am grateful for being able to surprise Sophie at pick-up time with Thomas walking to school and back for the first time instead of being in the carrier. So lovely to watch them walking along holding hands.
Day 338 – I am grateful for an after-school Christmas grotto trip.
Day 339 – I am grateful for some festive fun in French at Thomas’s BilinguaSing class this morning.
Day 340 – I am grateful for a lovely morning at the Christmas tree festival firstly with Sophie’s school and then being able to look around afterwards when it was quieter. I had a lovely catch-up with a friend who was Jessica’s teacher while Thomas had a nap and it was so lovely to be able to chat and share memories of Jessica.
Day 341 – I am grateful for a fascinating morning visiting the Tutankhamun exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery – absolutely amazing looking at all the artefacts and realising that they are over 3000 years old.
