At the end of October a few friends and I decided that we would post something that we were grateful for on FaceBook each day in November. It was really cool to see how many people simply picked up on it and began doing the same thing. After about a week, I began to find it challenging to think of things to be thankful for. I wanted to be creative in my posts. Yet as each day went by, I found that it became easier to exist in a state of graceful gratitude; it’s as if my heart and mind stayed on the same wavelength for once. I became consciously aware of all of the things I have taken for granted in my life, and how they truly are gifts.
As the month of November comes to a close I find it much easier to think of all that I am grateful for. Yesterday my boys got to spend some time with their Gido. (Arabic for Grandfather.) That may not sound like much, but my dad is 95 ½, and wears hearing aids, so when all of us are together we make a lot of noise and it’s hard for my dad to hear and contribute to conversation. My dad raced Formula 1’s, he qualified for the Olympics in riflery/shooting. He built a hugely successful business on his own with no college education. He is (still) the smartest man I know. I love when my sons get to see it, hear it, witness it, and I love that my dad literally lights up when he talks to them. The feeling I have right now is more than gratitude; it’s indescribable. Grace and gratitude to you, always.
Valerie
