#366daysofgratitude 2020 – Week 11

At the start of 2016, inspired by a friend, I started a daily gratitude challenge – posting one thing that I was thankful for each day on Instagram. I enjoyed it so much that when I reached the end of that year, I carried on and have kept going ever since. Finding one little thing to be thankful for each day has now become part of my daily routine and I’ve loved seeing friends joining in along the way too.

 

Finding little things to be grateful for isn’t always easy, especially when living through scary and uncertain times. I found though that trying to find something, however small and trivial, to be grateful for has helped me through some of the hardest days of my life.

 

My eldest daughter Jessica, who died in April 2018, 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. And even though having to live life without Jessica is by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do, I will continue to look for those little things to be thankful for, and keep going with this challenge in honour of my beautiful brave girl.

 

Here are my grateful moments from the past week:

 

Thomas at the park; Thomas hugging Jessica's statue at her forever bed; a forget-me-not growing in my garden; a rainbow; Sophie holding a box of coloured pencils and a tin with her name on; Sophie outside the house; Sophie and Thomas sitting in the garden having a picnic - "#366daysofgratitude 2020 - Week 11"

 

Day 75 – I am grateful for the ordinary everyday moments that are all too easy to take for granted.

Day 76 – I am grateful for sibling love. Even though Thomas never got to meet Jessica earthside, he still shows lots of affection to her when we visit her forever bed. Today he was kissing the carving of her, giving her lots of cuddles and singing away to her. So adorable.

Day 77 – I am grateful that the forget-me-nots that first appeared in my garden the day before Mother’s Day last year are back again. Still feel like they’re a little gift from Jessica reminding me she is still with us.

Day 78 – I am grateful for the way so many people I know are pulling together during this time and looking out for each other; offering support to friends and family where they can and ensuring that lines of communication remain open and trying to reduce feelings of isolation even when we are no longer able to be physically present together.

Day 79 – I am grateful for a lovely surprise parcel in the post for Sophie and Thomas today.

Day 80 – I am grateful for teachers and schools; for all they do to help our children learn and discover new things, and for the support that they will be providing to help keep key workers working over the weeks ahead. Finishing school today and not knowing when we’ll be back has been tough and emotional. Especially as it brings back those reminders that Jessica didn’t get to finish this term in Year 1 either. But it will be lovely to spend more time with Sophie and part of me is looking forward to getting to do some home ed with her just like I did with her big sister.

Day 81 – I am grateful for a picnic in the garden.

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

28 thoughts on “#366daysofgratitude 2020 – Week 11

  1. Love the picture of Thomas showing some love to his biggest sister. It will feel strange and uncertain without school. I think most people are just assuming that school is over until September. A garden picnic seems like the perfect thing to do right now – fresh air and social distancing!

  2. Aww! I saw the photo of Thomas giving Jessica’s carving a hug earlier in the week. Such a sweet moment.
    Such gorgeous moments. I hope you have a lovely time with Sophie and Thomas now the schools are shut x

    1. It is so lovely to see how he interacts with her in that way. I have to admit I am enjoying the time with both the children in amongst all the fear and uncertainty.

  3. The weather’s been so nice hasn’t it. Makes being stuck at home so much more acceptable even having to do work and school work. The teachers have done a brilliant job

  4. what a shame this school closure had brought back painful memories, sending love.
    Our community has pulled together well to offer support to each other
    looks a nice day for a picnic

    1. Thanks Elaine. It is nice to see communities pulling together and offering support to each other.

  5. Lovely photos!

    Agree with your sentiments about being grateful for the teachers! It was so hard saying goodbye when they closed the schools.

    1. It was hard wasn’t it? I have to admit, I struggled not to get tearful at pick-up on the last day.

  6. I hope your first week of home ed has gone will. Our teachers have worked so hard to make sure the kids are prepared as they can be. Which I am also very grateful for. Love the picnic in the garden I really hope this nice weather is here to stay for a while x

    1. Thank you, it’s helped being able to get outside and we’ve enjoyed some outdoor learning this week.

  7. Lovely to see Thomas hugging the carving. We’re certainly heading into uncertain times, but it’s definitely important to see it as a positive time and to make some lovely memories together. Hugs xx

    1. Thank you. I’m trying to stay positive and focus on being able to enjoy family time together although it is tough at times too.

  8. True, every micro-moment is a blessing and is special. Awww how sweet of Thomas! Maybe he senses there was someone missing. That’s so great of people to support each other. It feels sad that schools and colleges have closed but yeah, you can spend more time with your children

    1. I do love the way Thomas hugs Jessica’s carving and he often points to her photos too.

    1. Having more time together as a family has definitely been one plus point about all of this.

  9. Aww, what lovely photos and little man is getting so big. Such an inquisitive cutie. Glad to hear that everyone is pulling together where you are. The community really helps in times like this. Stay safe xx

  10. So sweet that Thomas is hugging the carved memorial. I went to have a look at your post about it, it is amazing. Love the rainbow, always a beautiful sight. Picnic in the garden sounds wonderful. When we have a slightly warmer weather, we plan to have a picnic in our garden as well.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.