Grateful for my Family (TY – 6)

I am so very blessed to have such a wonderful husband and fur-baby. Today we had a super walk together enjoying nature and each other’s company. As you can see from the photo, it was a beautiful day.

I deeply appreciate my husband, Rick, who supports me in countless ways; and, Sasha, my fur-baby, who is more than a fabulous companion. It is important to reflect on the loved ones in our lives and acknowledge their time and gifts that they share with us. Our spouses, our children and our fur-companions each have very significant roles in our lives, which deserve gratitude. Every act that they do, which makes your life more joyous and easier, needs to be recognized, acknowledged and appreciated.

Sometimes, however, when we get caught up in our daily routine and stresses, we forget our loved ones. We take for granted that they will be there for us. While this may usually be true, there will come a time in our lives when they will no longer be with us. It is important to cherish them as often as we can, acknowledge them, appreciate them and love them. They are the ones who are important, not the work, the chores, the daily routine and all the other stuff.

Therefore, I am taking time to think about my family and appreciate them as I write this brief article to thank them. Thank you Rick and Sasha! You are the best part of my life!

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How Do You Say Goodbye?

How do you say good-bye to loved ones, those who have left their earthbound bodies? How do you let go of your companions and family (four-legged or two)? The answer is… you don’t, nor do you need to let go or say good-bye.

Memories of our loved ones are in our minds; and, their spirits are in our hearts. They are always with us. We only need to think of them and feel them. Yes, their physical bodies are no longer with us; but, they are indeed with us… without pain, without disease, without any earthbound limitations. They are with us as pure love and positive energy. Yes, it is hard to embrace that concept.

We miss seeing their physical presence! They are no longer where we expect them. We are grieving the change. The tears are good. Do not be ashamed to cry. Release the sadness, so you can make room for the serenity that will follow.

Your loved ones are just a thought and a prayers away. In fact, your loved ones are always with you, watching you, supporting you and loving you the best way they know how. Invite their spirits into your heart. Talk to them aloud, in a whisper or in your head; they will hear you. Feel their love envelop you. Feel their warmth pour into your heart. Hold onto those moments and savor them. You will feel the peace, as you feel tears stream down your face. Does it get easier? I cannot answer that question because each of us grieve differently and on our own timelines.

I do wish to send out my love, my prayers and my positive energy to all those who are missing loved ones. I miss my aunt who passed this past January. Christmas was her favorite holiday, as it is also my cousin’s (her daughter’s) birthday. This is going to a very difficult time for my cousin. My love and heart goes out to her and her family.

More recently, my sister had to put down her fur-baby kitty-cat, Gracie.

Gracie was just 5 years young, still a kitten in many respects; but, Gracie has suffered this past month from an unknown condition. Gracie could not eat, unassisted. She was having difficulty breathing, too. It was discovered Thursday night that Gracie had a rare disease, which was causing Gracie to basically starve to death. It was very painful. My sister had no choice. She had to let Gracie’s physical body die, so Gracie would no longer suffer. This transpired late Friday afternoon. This weekend has been difficult for all of us.

Gracie was a very special kitty cat. My sister rescued Gracie when she was a tiny kitten from a hot engine of a hospital van. My sister immediately took her to a veterinarian who saved her by the grace of God…thus her name, Gracie. Gracie became the hospital mascot and my sister’s fur companion. Gracie’s life touched many. Gracie was a sign of hope and lived a wonderful life filled with love. Gracie will be missed, but we all know she is in a better place where pain and suffering will no longer touch her. Rest in peace, Gracie. We love you.

 

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Appreciating Outdoors

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day! I had the opportunity to spend time outdoors as I walked with my husband and my fur-baby Sasha. I really appreciate the splendor that Nature has bestowed upon us. I am thankful that I had a chance to be outdoors today. I will cherish the memory as I took over 200 photographs. Check out the sampling of the multitude of  pictures I took during my 90 minute stroll. Toward the second half of my long walk, I was rewarded with the most spectacular sight…

a praying mantis!

 

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Brisk Air…Clear Thoughts

I really enjoy walking outdoors, especially on a crisp and refreshing autumn morning, like today. The brisk air cleared my mind and allowed new and creative ideas and thoughts to percolate and form. I am excited about everything I am going to accomplish today, but mostly, I am seizing this moment and fully experiencing it.

 

My heart and spirit is filled with love, gratitude and wonder with limitless possibilities. My imagination is in full throttle and I am energized. I am certain that taking that walk this morning has everything to do with it. Almost an hour I spent (really gained) walking with my father, my husband, and my fur-baby Sasha.

We walked through the woods to a neighboring pier. The tide was high. A strong breeze was blowing the marsh grasses and creating deep ripples and a bit of breaks in the brackish waters of the cove.

I could have stayed all day on the pier as it was wonderfully tranquil. Bliss has filled my inner spirit and is carrying me through this gorgeous day. All these glorious emotions and energy came from deciding to enjoy the outdoors this morning…a deliberate choice to exercise and walk in nature and with my family. I am rejuvenated and recharged. I hope you, too, can capture a moment for yourself today to take a walk outdoors.

Miss Things

 

Funny, how we do not miss things until we no longer have them.
~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

I told my sister this when I learned that her microwave oven stopped working, yesterday; and, she wanted to warm her coffee this morning. She had to use the stove-top. Then I started thinking this is not only true of those convenient appliances in our lives, but also with people in our lives. How often do we stop and truly appreciate the loved ones in our lives?

My life would be different without my husband, my family, my friends and my fur-baby (puppy-dog, Sasha). I try not to become complacent and take for granted that they will always be in my life. I am grateful for the reminders such as not having use of my car and computer, both of which I had to do without for a few days this past week. These temporary hassles serve to jostle my memory of what and who is important in my life. Yes, I missed not having my computer and car as these are important to my livelihood; but, I would miss my loved ones even more.

Surviving tragic events in our lives such as hurricanes, fires and tornadoes serve as eye-opening reminder of exactly what truly is important in our lives. Things can be replaced. People cannot. Let us count our blessings and appreciate the loved ones in our lives. And, let me take this moment to let you know how much I appreciate you for reading my blog. You are wonderful and I am deeply grateful!

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Ten Things that Instantly Make Me Happy

Just thinking about joyful things instantly make me happy! ~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

I am certain there are more than ten things that instantly make me happy; but, these are the top ten things that make me instantly happy that I can think of at the moment! I encourage you to create your own list.

1. Seeing a butterfly flutter by.

2. The scent of home-baked breads, cookies or pastries, especially if there is a hint of cinnamon.

3. The warmth of the sun on a cold winter’s day.

4. A cool, gentle breeze off the ocean on a hot summer’s day.

5. Rainbows.

6. Waterfalls.

7. Seashells.

8. Sasha, my fur-baby, greeting me at the door after I have been out.

9. Sandcastles.

10. A full moon on a clear night.

These are in no particular order as each of these equally and instantly bring a smile to my face, joy to my soul, and tickle my heart! I would love to know what instantly makes you happy. Please share in the comments below.

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