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 147 – I am grateful that I can see around the roses again.
Day 148 – I am grateful that Sophie has been enjoying playing with the Playmobil. This was Jessica’s favourite thing to play with and it hasn’t been touched since she died. Seeing Sophie play with it is bittersweet as I miss watching both my girls playing with it together but it is lovely to see it being enjoyed once again.
Day 149 – I am grateful for my blog. Over the last four years I have captured so many lovely memories of days out and doing crafts with my girls. Today I’ve shared our last family day out with Jessica. It breaks my heart that there will be no more days out posts with Jessica to share but I am thankful for the memories of all those wonderful days out that we enjoyed and the fact that so many of those memories have been documented and captured.
Day 150 – I am grateful for the little drawings that Jessica did and occasionally finding ones that I haven’t seen before.
Day 151 – I am grateful that we got to see the Flying Scotsman pass through our local train station this afternoon.
Day 152 – I am grateful for the start of #30dayswild encouraging me to get outdoors with Sophie.
Day 153 – I am grateful for an evening with my family celebrating my brother’s 50th birthday.