Journaling aside, I keep a daily list of "thankfuls". These little books are ways to remind myself, at-a-glance, what I'm grateful for, but also serve as a chronicle of events. Even if they are not always explicitly listed, I am also reminded of a few challenges here and there throughout the year. Here, then, are a few highlights. Oh, and since I'm not really going into much detail, elaborating, analyzing, etc., I suppose this is more of a listing, not a reflection. Reflection sounds better, though!
January
Safe travels and good visits with family (Father) and friends (John and Mary). Successfully used Uber for the first time! Hesed's eyelash surgery was successful. Wonderful messages at church. Letters from Ann. Mom got good results at Duke. Tutoring Giovell. Plenty of opportunities to work on not getting annoyed. Fellowship with friends (Bill and Sybil, Carolyn). Gearing up for tax season.
February
The beginning of another Stephen Minister Training Class. Mark's x-ray was clear. Hesed doing fine staying in the office by herself (uncrated). Hanging in the midst of unknowing. Mom B was able to see Aunt Judy before she passed.
March
Thankful my brain allows me to memorize scripture. My orchid is blooming. Long walks in the sunshine with Hesed. Spending time with family (Mike, Kim, and Mom B). Texting with Cailyn. Flowers from "The Boss". Heard from all my parents. Letter from Mark Neil (sponsored child in the Philippines). Match Day! 14 years! So much opportunity for grace, growth, and forgiveness. Talking with a sweet little boy in our neighborhood.
April
Good to see Jon and the girls. God put me here to help others. Dad's results were good. Heard from Kathy. Time with Mom B. Father's generosity. Chicken burritos! Made it through another tax season. New water heater. Weekends to putter, ride bikes, nap, and go out to dinner. Days like today make me grateful for other days. A lovely Stephen Ministry retreat. Commissioning Sunday.
May
Safe travels to/from Father's; Hesed warmed up to him. Able to work on Lucy's Book. Josh and Josette set their wedding date (9/15/19). Meeting our new neighbor Debbie and her yellow Lab Jazz.
Survived my dental cleaning. Good neighbors stepping in to help out with the cats. Safe travels to Ft. Lauderdale and Cancun. Happy not to be that arguing couple. Did not look at my To Do List. Thankful for contemplative practices to calm my furies. Wonderful message at church: Be Bold!
June
Letter from Shaleen. Bike ride and floating in the pool. Lovely lunch and time with Mom. Wonderful time catching up with Gracie. Lovely day at Selby Gardens with Sybil and Sherrie.
Spending Father's Day with Father. Caring people. Cailyn's visit. Pete able to get help from Dr. Bonda. Family time.
July
Pete pooped! Mom and Dad's kind offer to stay at our house. Spiritual retreat together at Green Bough. Peaceful during prayer. Safe travels for family. Loved, Happy, Kind, Generous = Amy.
Cailyn said, "You're my mom, too!" Nice lunch with Carolyn. Mom is still cancer free! Not hurt when the bed collapsed. A good Stephen Leader meeting. Time alone. I think I learned a valuable lesson from "Mr. Mikey". Nice visit with John and Mary.
August
My biopsy = not cancer! Left the rat race 15 years ago. No regrets! Pesky clients "fired" us, LOL.
Wonderful visit with friends in California; safe travels. Able to see our Cruising Friends in St. Pete.
Letter from Ester (sponsored child in Indonesia). Good grounding talk with Sybil. They caught Dad's blood clot before it was a problem. Mom B and Boopie beginning a new adventure together. 8 mile bike ride.
September
Good day working together on the lanai. Earlier morning walk; pink/blue sunrise. Beautiful. Nice replies to Card Blast email. We do have friends here! Talking with Father. Re-joined the Y. Afternoon nap. Saw Erica in the Publix parking lot. Wine time with Momma. Mr. Roger's movie. Date night at Speak's. Mark watched "The Wizard of Oz" with me. Holding Dad's hand. Sybil is cancer free. Another good visit with Father. Disciple 3.
October
Fantastic 50th anniversary celebration weekend for Mom and Dad! Grateful doctors are mindful of Mark's health. Care and concern from friends. Making "final plans" = huge relief (NCS). Scripture eased anxiety. Meeting Richard Foster. Male care receivers! Pete finally pooped. New phone. Mark's Mission Moment. Mom and Dad = safe travels. So many friends at church. Caring people at River Landing.
November
Beautiful painting of Lucy by Carolyn. People looking out for others. Able to see Steve Ross! Celebrity Equinox! Spending time with Terry. Cailyn here for an entire week for Thanksgiving!
Family time. New places. Happy Proposal Day!
December
Ann doing well. Hanging of the Greens. House all nicely decorated. Good trip to Father's.
Watching silly Christmas movies. Sweet "new" nutcracker from Cissie. Nice Stephen Ministry party at Bill and Sybil's. Pretty mirrors. Cailyn got Charlotte! Hope and Healing Service went well. Fantastic #55 birthday celebration weekend! Dad safe from his procedure. Kevin's visit. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Party with our neighbors. NYE at Mom and Dad's with Mom B and The Porters. Safely home!
Mrs. B
No comments:
Post a Comment