gratitude

Before the plague of medical ailments descended on our family we were incorporating daily rituals of gratitude in our family, inspired by Christine Carter's Raising Happiness.  We already had so much to be thankful for, but now that Daddy is home from the hospital and is recovering we give thanks every night for each other, our incredible daughter, and for improving health.  Our neighborhood "village" took such great care of us by providing babysitting and playdates for Deals, meals, groceries, rides to and from the hospital, etc.  At least once every day during this time I would cry for at least a few minutes, overwhelmed with gratitude at the love provided by friends that we have known for less than two years.  We certainly felt the love from long-distance family and friends (our mantle is overflowing with thoughtful cards), and many family members offered to fly out to Portland to help.  Despite the circumstances, we enjoyed wonderful visits with Granddad and Mimi.  Both were invaluable with their help, and Deals loved having two solid weeks of one-on-one grandparent bonding.