Grateful for.........

Electricity - since our power went out on Saturday after a storm. I will never take it for granted. Its crappy being cold and living by candle light for four days.

Sorrow - it teaches me to appreciate when things are really good.

Others - I have been humbled by the lessons that others teach me just by their presence in my life. I am learning patience, humility, kindness and extraordinarily, how to be a better person.

My job - when so many are unemployed and my job is closing buildings, I can sit, close my eyes and know just how very fortunate I am. And the fact that I love what I do and even more so I love the children I work with.

My dog - who no matter what the situation, would rather be with me than any other place in the world (even a cold dark house).

My son - who teaches me daily, that I have so much to learn about him and myself as a mother.

For my friends - who know exactly when I need a hug and a cup of coffee.

Of course, not necessarily in this order.

The days, cold and short, leave me wishing desperately for Spring. Spring a time of renewal. I smile thinking of how many times I cross this threshold of renewal. Always wishing, hoping. Never giving up. I chuckle as I try to think of how often I have stared ahead thinking, "Ah, a new beginning". What is that? Really, a new beginning. I have had so many, that it feels as if a book has been written but not one chapter is successfully completed. Ha! Its a complicated book. A book that a reader would start with enthusiasm slowly understanding that its not going anywhere, though the character would like to believe otherwise.

What does wishing for Spring mean to me? What is it that I hope to see upon that Spring day that will change this harsh cold winter day? Is it possible that after all, I am a hopeless optimist? Perhaps. In truth, looking forward to a new day is what keeps me going. Knowing that tomorrow some small wonderful thing may happen to bring about change.

Life is like that you know. Always and forever changing. Challenging, beautiful, and oh so complicated.