What are you grateful for?
November 7, 2007 by Anna Farmery
Filed under Comfort Yourself
Over Play Library there is a little competition and I love the idea of the post. It made me think that I am grateful for many things in my life:- my health, my family, my life in general. Then I started to think that there are some things that I have learned and in fact are grateful for, through his death. Sound strange?
- I am grateful for learning not to take anything for granted – now I value it all.
- I am grateful to have learned to live each moment like your last.
- I am grateful to have known the feeling of being loved.
- I am grateful for the wonderful times.
- I am grateful to have the chance to help other people through this blog.
I know it is hard to think about being grateful, I know its hard when the pain is there…but just look around and we see that there are many reasons that despite the pain, despite the bereavement there are also reasons to be grateful too….what has death made you value?
Thanks for the mention Anna.
Wow, what a powerful post. I lost my mother-in-law, who was extrememly important to me, about 3 years ago. Her death taught me so many things, but honestly, I’ve already let those lessons be forgotten. I remember after she died saying that I would stay in touch with family like never before. I haven’t done that and I really need to.
I also remember how strongly I felt about enjoying my children. I feel like my mother-in-law was taken too soon, but that was out of our hands. Who knows how long I’ll be around, so I need to make sure my children and family know that I loved them and would do anything for them.
Julie
You are so right about time. Grief is such a strong emotion that I think we sometimes shut down after time, shut down the memories then we forget to live out our promises. Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves of the lessons – glad to help you remember
There are so many good memories that I have of us. I have been thinking about them so much more lately because the 17th will mark one year since his passing. I have all ready dealt with so many other milestones this year and they saved the toughest for last. The good memories are what are getting me through this. I am thankful for the years we had together. It was not much but more then others were given. I am grateful that our last moments were good ones, so many people loose loved ones after their last words are of anger. And I am grateful of how close I still am to his family. In many ways I am closer to them then my own family because I am closest to them. I now value the time I spend with loved ones and cherish every moment.
I have been reading all of your posts, and I am so sympathetic with all of your situations. I care for my elderly father and face a lot of what all of you are expressing. I did however purchase ResponseLINK. It has taken a load off of my mind just knowing he has 24 hour security to fall back on when needed. All he has to do is push a button on the pendant and they respond with in seconds! You can even have preset calls for medication and meal reminders. Now I don’t worry nearly as bad as I once did. This has worked out wonderfully for me and my family. I am so thankful that we purchased this device!