As I have mentioned before, I am a nonstop list maker. I
have lists for the grocery store, lists for phone calls to be made, lists for projects
begging to be completed and even lists of lists. I love the feeling I get when
I can cross off an item or two on one of my lists. I confess that I have been
known to add a task I have already completed only for the joy of immediately
drawing a line through it. These lists are factual and objective. They are
about stuff- stuff that I buy in the store, arrange to have repaired or reminders
to check up on work done by others.
I now have a new type of list I am working on. This one keeps
growing. Nothing is ever crossed off, only added. It is my gratitude list.
Each entry on the gratitude list is short, only a few words.
In reading them I immediately conjure up an image. I have a mental picture of
my daughters and of my husband, who certain rank at the top of my gratitude
list. I think of the unique qualities each has and what makes those special to
me. Even though this seems obvious, every time I see their names on the list I think
of yet another reason to be grateful they are a part of my life.
Much more mundane occurrences make the list. I am grateful
for the birds who flit by my kitchen window stopping to feed on the grain I put
out. I am grateful for rain at night when it beats on my roof lulling me to
sleep.
At first I felt a
little silly writing things such as, “I am grateful for the fresh homemade
pasta my husband makes.” It seemed trivial. Then I thought some more. I am grateful. It made the list.
I pulled out my list this morning. Our family is facing a critical event. I write
this as I am sitting in a hospital room watching my father’s labored breathing.
He already holds a place on my gratitude list, but it needs to be updated. I
could write many pages for the things he has taught me, laughed with me,
scolded me, always nurturing me. I am grateful for the word games we invented.
I am grateful for the hundreds of hours he read bedtime stories to me. I am grateful
for his teaching me how to eat lox and bagels. I am grateful he always believed
in me.
I am sorry he’ll never see my gratitude list. We will most
likely lose him tonight. But he will live on and on in my heart and I will
continue to update the list next to his name.
If you haven’t started your own gratitude list, I urge you
to begin.
4 comments:
Thinking of you Cassy in my prayersm stay strong xoxo
Cassy, sending you lots of hugs and love. I know you are going through a mighty difficult time. Just know we're all thinking of you!
Cassy, I am sending prayers for your entire family. You've gone through so much lately, and your gratitude is a testament to how far you've come.
Thank you all for such wonderful words of love and encouragement. It has been quite a few months.
Post a Comment