Gratitude #29

My heart is very heavy today. I received a phone call from a loved one this morning - another of her beloved friends died last night in a tragic accident. I spent a large part of today grieving and crying for this wonderful woman who was really only an acquaintance of mine, and for her family, loved ones, and my friend. 


In spite of feeling very sad I am grateful. It's actually moments like these, when we face death and the truth that we are all here for such a short time that we REALLY appreciate all that we have in our lives. Even as our hearts break.


I am grateful for all of the wonderful friends in my life - 3 of which I had wonderful phone conversations with TODAY and was lucky enough to say the words, "I love you" to TODAY. No waiting around to tell them tomorrow.


I am grateful that my mother in law is here visiting and that my husband came home from work early and that gave me lots of time to let some of my emotions out privately.


I am grateful for my mother who is an amazing listener and supporter. I love her so much.


I am grateful for tears and the cleansing they bring to us.


I am grateful for my children who give me a reason to keep on keepin' on and who make me smile and laugh every day. I am grateful for my extremely loving and sensitive daughter and the opportunity to share this life with her and her brother (who also seems to be processing this "death-stuff" because he randomly - or not so randomly - commented tonight that, "if Marisol died we would be like, No, no... and we'd be so sad. And our family would be broken" - or something like that. How heartbreaking is that??)


I am grateful for today and the lows of life, because I know that because of them I also get to experience the highs. 


My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of Lorena. May she rest in peace.