For the last two years, I have taken part in a daily gratitude challenge – sharing one photo a day on Instagram of something I am grateful for. It’s taught me to look for the little things and has made me a more positive person. It has not always been easy to find something to be grateful for each day though, especially since losing my beautiful daughter Jessica in April.
One of Jessica’s godmothers once described her as a “joy carrier”. It was, and still is, such a wonderful description. She might have only had half a heart, but it overflowed with love and she brought sunshine to all who knew her. She taught me how to be strong, how to live each day to the full and how to find joy in the challenging moments. I continue with this challenge each day in honour of her.
Day 133 – I am grateful for some time doing “making” with Sophie – we had fun making a toilet roll dragon on a nest of sparkly eggs.
Day 134 – I am grateful for unicorn hobby horses and the fun they provide.
Day 135 – I am grateful that Sophie enjoyed being able to ride her bike home from preschool via the park today.
Day 136 – I am grateful for a lovely surprise this morning. Sophie’s preschool have created a pretty outdoor space for the children called “Jessica’s garden” in memory of my big girl with pretty flowers, a bench, butterflies and dragonflies and pretty welly boot planters. Sophie loves it and so do I. Thank you so much.
Day 137 – I am grateful for one last day with my big girl, one last chance to give her kisses, to hold her hand, to look at her beautiful little face and to tell her how much I love her. Darling Jessica, you will always be my little miracle and I will love you and miss you forever.
Day 138 – I am grateful that the celebration of Jessica’s life was everything we wanted it to be for her. It was a day of both sadness and smiles, remembering our beautiful girl, all the happy memories of a wonderful six and a half years and the realisation of how much sunshine she brought to the lives of those who knew her. Thank you to everyone who came today to support us and to pay tribute to Jessica. We were also so proud of Sophie today. She was a little superstar throughout as she said goodbye to the big sister she adored. Today we have all been surrounded by love. You all did Jessica proud. Thank you so much.
Day 139 – I am grateful for all the memories shared on paper hearts at yesterday’s service. We have been sitting reading them and they have made us smile, laugh and cry. Some of the memories are things we’d forgotten; others are ones we’d never had ourselves and they are wonderful to read. It is so clear from reading them that Jessica was so very loved by those who knew her and that brings us comfort.
