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 230 – I am grateful for moments of calm.
Day 231 – I am grateful for an afternoon playing board games with Sophie.
Day 232 – I am grateful for the little things that people do and say that let me know that they still think of Jessica and that she is not forgotten. These beautiful flowers were given to me by friends of ours for Jessica. It means so much to hear other people mention her name.
Day 233 – I am grateful that Thomas enjoyed his first time being carried on my back. And that the memory of how to back wrap came back fairly quickly!
Day 234 – I am grateful for FaceTime. Sophie had fun with the filters when talking to Daddy this afternoon.
Day 235 – I am grateful for getting to see Sophie perform in the show at the end of her theatre workshop and that Grandma and Godmummy Katy were able to see it too.
Day 236 – I am grateful for sun hats and sun cream.
Day 237 – I am grateful that Thomas enjoyed his first trip to the beach.
Day 238 – I am grateful to my sister for giving Thomas his first haircut.
Day 239 – I am grateful for time for a detour on the way home from Auntie Fizz’s house and a walk in the sunshine to explore the ruins of Waverley Abbey.
Day 240 – I am grateful to have hubby home again and to finally be able to give him his birthday present – this wonderful photo on a canvas. Our three beautiful children all together as we wish they could have been in reality thanks to the magic of photo editing software.
Day 241 – I am grateful for a lovely day out with a friend at Bocketts Farm.
Day 242 – I am grateful for wonderful friendships and a lovely afternoon catching up with some of our favourite people. I once saw a saying on a mug “friends are God’s way of looking after you” and it is so true. True friends are worth their weight in gold.
Day 243 – I am grateful for a family picnic in the park.
