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 189 – I am grateful for the nights when Jessica comes to me in my dreams. Last night I took her for a walk in her buggy and she looked just like this, laughing and smiling away. I don’t dream of her very often but those moments when I do are so very precious. It is in those moments that I feel her physical presence with me once more, that I see her again, hold her, talk to her and for the briefest of times she really is there with me. Those moments are such a precious gift.
Day 190 – I am grateful that our caterpillars have arrived. Looking forward to watching them grow and become butterflies.
Day 191 – I am grateful that Sophie enjoyed another afternoon at a local child bereavement support group and had fun painting a plant pot.
Day 192 – I am grateful to have been married to this wonderful hubby of mine for nine years. It’s been quite a rollercoaster ride and the last three months have been incredibly tough. I know though that when life is at its hardest, he is there by my side. Reminding me that this is our journey through life, and that we will face it together. Whatever life’s journey throws at us, one thing remains the same. We are a team. We might be broken, devastated and incomplete but we are still a team. Thank you hubby for always being there when it matters most.
Day 193 – I am grateful for little adventures. We had to take a couple of buses to get to Tiny Talk today as my car is in the garage getting its air-con fixed. So lovely to see how exciting a bus trip can be through a child’s eyes.
Day 194 – I am grateful for a lovely day catching up with a friend over lunch, watching Sophie have fun at the park and finishing with the Girls’ Brigade barbecue in the evening.
Day 195 – I am grateful for fun coloured plaster casts. Sophie was very brave at fracture clinic today. She sat very still for her X-ray and while her soft cast was put on. She chose to have a pink cast which will stay on for the next three weeks while her wrist heals. So far she’s coping well and still managing to use that hand reasonably well too. So proud of my brave girl.
