#365daysofgratitude 2019 – Week 6

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 34 – I am grateful for music (and very impressed that Sophie can get a few notes out of Daddy’s trumpet!)

Day 35 – I am grateful for getting to spend a lovely evening with a friend.

Day 36 – I am grateful for wraps and slings. This little boy of mine is a cuddle monster which is lovely but also frustrating at times. Going for walks with him wrapped like this is often the best way to get him to have a decent nap and most of the chores get done this way too!

Day 37 – I am grateful for adorable baby feet and how fascinated Thomas is by them.

Day 38 – I am grateful for time just to sit and snuggle with this gorgeous boy of mine. The to-do list can wait. “So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep! / I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.” (Ruth Holburt Hamilton)

Day 39 – I am grateful that Thomas will be spoilt for choice for a while on the food front thanks to a lovely friend passing on some baby food pouches that they no longer need.

Day 40 – I am grateful for a lovely spontaneous family day out hunting for dragons on the Zog trail at Wendover Woods.