In Gratitude

Photo: Fotolia

In under forty-eight hours, my family will sit down and enjoy a bountiful meal. Surrounded by extended family and friends, the table will be overflowing with delicious foods — many of which will have come from the garden just beyond the screened door.

When I think back just a year, I still had a grandmother. I still had an uncle. I was still recovering from a debilitating illness.

Though it has been a year of great sadness, I cannot help but think about the good that surrounds me every day. And be very grateful.

• My job — First of all, I have one. And at a time when unemployment is at a record high, I know how fortunate I am to be employed. I work at a place that I love. And with a staff who is imaginative and kind and supportive and loving. I do not exaggerate when I say that I will never have such a unique and outstanding group of colleagues.
• PC’s job — Ditto on the first part. Not only does he have a job, but PC is loving his job. And that makes me so happy.
• My Family — we hosted the Malach HaMavet often this year. So to him I say, “we wouldn’t want to monopolize your time…so you should feel free to visit someone else.” On the plus side, we have spent a lot of time together this year and that has been wonderful.
• Our Children — when I think of the many, many women who yearn to have a child and are unable, I am especially grateful for mine. To be sure, there are times that parenting Beernut is demanding, challenging, and exhausting. But those times are balanced by the moments of exhilaration that shine forth from his soul.
• My Health — during my grandmother’s, z”l, brief illness in January, I realized that I no longer needed physical therapy. I had finally grown stronger after a year of intense rehab. A realization that came more from necessity as I was unable to fit my physical therapy appointments around her acute illness. As she grew weaker, I realized that I had grown stronger. Physically, at any rate.
• Our Friends — for without their love and companionship, life would be a much bleaker place.

This is, of course, an incomplete list. The point is that my life, which is by no means extraordinary, is incredibly rich. And I could not possibly show gratitude for everything.

Which should not stop me from trying.