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 175 – I am grateful for pretty summer dresses and sun hats.
Day 176 – I am grateful that the Girls’ Brigade trophy that will be given in Jessica’s memory has arrived ready for next month’s awards evening.
Day 177 – I am grateful for beach days at preschool.
Day 178 – I am grateful for egg boxes and craft foam and time spent crafting with Sophie.
Day 179 – I am grateful for having had my mum come to stay for a few days.
Day 180 – I am grateful for getting to see Sophie take part in her first Girls’ Brigade display. Love how she threw herself into the two songs she took part in and performed them with so much enthusiasm and joy. As lovely as it was to watch her though, it was hard too. There should have been another little girl standing next to her; a little girl who always finished a performance with her signature bow. It’s been 11 weeks since our last evening with Jessica and my heart breaks every day for her. I wish I could have seen my girls both take part in a display together but I’m glad I did get to see Jessica take part in hers two years ago and the memories of that one make me smile.
Day 181 – I am grateful for a day out at Paultons Park with other heart families. It was lovely to watch Sophie making friends and to see how happy it made her to have other children to go on rides with. It did bring it home though how much she must miss that interaction and the beautiful bond she had with Jessica. We missed having our big girl with us too but it was so lovely to feel that we are still a part of the heart family community and still heart parents even though our heart warrior is no longer here with us.
Louise,
IIRC it’s been clear for some time that Sophie has quite a talent as a performer.
Spending time in the heart family community must be a good thing for all of you, even if it does remind you of your loss.
I don’t think I’d heard of hawksbeards until I read your latest “30 Days Wild” posting. Thanks for the info.