This year I made a commitment to be thankful in all circumstances.
I purposed to count my blessings. Naming and numbering them in a journal set aside.
This year has been a hard one for our family. It has been a year of sadness and grief, marked by the loss of three family members.
My husband’s brother passed away last March after a battle with cancer. A cancer that wasn’t even diagnosed a year ago. His testament of faith and steadfastness through that battle speaks volumes to me even now.
I lost my Grandaddy in October. His sudden death haunts me in my dreams. I cannot find answers to the questions that plague my mind. I only know that there are some things that I cannot comprehend. I take comfort in knowing that while I miss him he is now at peace. I will see him again.
My aunt Loretta, so loving and kind, passed away just two weeks ago. While at her home I found numerous pictures of my family…of my children…hanging on her wall.
My heart grieves the loss of each of them.
At the end of a year filled with such loss, it can be hard to find something to be thankful for.
But as I look back at each of their lives, I am filled with thankfulness and gratitude.
I am thankful for knowing each of them.
I am thankful for the impact they had on my life.
I am thankful that I will see them again in Heaven.
I am thankful for the pictures I have of them with my children. Each of the pictures in the layout above were taken in 2007, just before we left to be stationed in Germany. I cherish these pictures.
But, most of all, I am thankful for the memories I have of them. Through these memories I can remember the times I had with them.
So, yes, even in the hard times, the times filled with grief and sadness, there is much to be thankful for.
This week I am counting…
399. time spent with family
400. texts, pictures, and videos shared by my husband when I’m away
401. safe travel
402. being missed
403. coming home
404. little hands reaching for the M&M jar
405. sweet girl reading outside until dark
406. reading Charlotte’s Web every night…one chapter at a time
407. science experiments…making craters and models of Mercury
408. failing again and receiving forgiveness. Yes…again.
409. brother and little sister playing together, squealing with delight
410. scrapbook time
411. memories of loved ones
412. pictures taken long ago being cherished now.
413. Christmas dresses
414. decorating the tree
415. my girls singing in the children’s choir
416. a thank you note…for “driveing” her to church
417. attempting a family Christmas photo with the self-timer
418. a family party…snacks, music, movies, smiles, and togetherness
419. playing games and laughing with my sweet toddler
What blessings are you counting this week of thanksgiving?
Scrapbook page credits: Kit – The Sun Will Come Out by Sugarplum Paperie
Template – Cindy’s Templates #108 by Cindy Schneider
wordstrip – Allspice by Mari Koegelenburg
Shadows – Get Real Shadow Styles by Jenn Barrette
Positively Alene says
What an awesome post. I’ve just begun reading One Thousand Gifts. My heart is taken back. Beautiful. So thankful. Blessings this Thanksgiving bloggy friend.
Sheila says
Beautiful post,three special people each in their on special way.Heaven is so lucky to have them,just wish we could have them one more day. love You Monica, Happy Thanksgiving