Gratitude Journal

It's been a long time since I made an entry in any gratitude journal anywhere. So I figure that this is as good a time and place as any to reinstate the practice.

I am grateful for

• paramedics. I have yet to meet a paramedic I didn't like. Every one we have ever dealt with has been empathetic, friendly and compassionate while at the same time being equally competent and professional. Paramedics are my friends.
• my daughter's neurologist. We've had a few and I wouldn't trade ours for any I've known or heard about. He's kind, caring, empathetic, will bend over backwards to help and perhaps most important of all, he really sees the Blue Jay as a real child, not just another patient.
• being able to give my children a good Christmas. So many can't.
• the fact that when one door closes, another generally opens. I recently lost a job. And just as quickly, was given the opportunity to pick up even more work in my other job.
• the 'little' things I see at the most unexpected times, the surprises that show how well the Blue Jay is doing. When you have a challenged child, the simplest little things that you would usually take for granted can be huge milestones. And when you suddenly and unexpectedly witness one, it's like being given a precious and unexpected gift that lights up your whole life.
• hugs and kisses and giggles and grins. Nothing special, just some of the most important and valuable things in life.