I spent last week recovering from the flu.  The fever and chills were tough, the cough and headache made me want to close my eyes against the world. But it was the aching bones that really got me down.  I began to really empathize with people who suffer chronic pain like arthritis or fibromyalgia. By Sunday, I began to give thanks for a robust immune system and a body that’s springing back to liveliness.  By Sunday afternoon, I forgot all about being sick, and began reveling in some good news: A big two page spread in the local paper about A Ship of Pearl!  Yes, I did fill out a questionnaire a few months ago.  I began to think it would never happen.  And voila, there I am.  Whee!  It’s a bit like when I order something through the mail.  When it finally arrives, it’s like opening a gift.  Do you ever feel that way?

Here’s a few more things that bring gratitude to my heart this Monday morning:

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Peaceful demonstrations in Woodstock, IL.  I’m proud to be part of a community that can demonstrate for and counter to our President’s actions.  With friends and family on both sides, I know how frustrating love can be.  Click here for link to one journalist’s observations on “Spirit of America,” a Pro-Trump rally, and “Hate Has No Home Here,” counter-demonstration.

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Grand Opening of the beautiful Food Pantry where donated food gets distributed to hungry people in a friendly environment.  I love that the Food Pantry helps recipients connect with other service organizations for their needs.

 

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Heartfelt birthday wishes from family and friends across the world.

Mom, Siblings (-1,) and me.

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Another author greet and meet sceduled, this time in Michigan.

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Daffodils and crocuses pushing detritus aside and pointing their noses toward the sun.

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Catholic Families Refugee Resettlement program.  I had no idea that this organization is the largest in the Midwest.  They plan resettle over 500 people this year.

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Amtrak travel, which makes life easy, inexpensive, and comfortable.  Yay for senior discounts, too.

I threw in a gorgeous photo of Mom, who turned 89 a week before my birthday.  She is the most beautiful woman I know.  Inside and out.

[tweetthis]What’s on your gratitude list this week? Your list always reminds me of more reasons to give thanks, so please share.[/tweetthis]