Gratitude - Day Two

1. To have been able to hold my Mom's hands as she took her final breaths. I wanted to hold her in my arms and I desperately wanted her to know that we were there, that she was not alone. I was not able to be there when my Dad died but I've been told that just before he slipped away, he rested his head on my Mom's shoulder.

2. My best friend, partner, and husband Mark. Something I wrote a year ago (which may or may not have an x-rated line or two removed):

I love you because...of the way you think of others no matter who it is or how long you have known them. You have empathy.

I love you because...you have heart. I know that at times you have taken your emotions and tucked them into a safe little pocket inside your heart so that you can be okay. But I've seen you wear your heart on your sleeve.

I love you because...you cry. Again, you have heart.

I love you because...you are honest and ethical. For you a handshake is enough. If you say you will do something, you do it. You always try to do the right thing.

I love you because...you have the patience to walk someone through the simplest tasks that don't make sense to them. All without making them feel silly for not getting it.

I love you because...you were a son to my Mom.

I love you because...you have little anal habits that used to make me laugh and now I've developed them.

I love you because...you have a forgiving and loving heart with your Mom and Dad.

I love you because...you can laugh at yourself.

I love you because...you are selfless. If you can do a good turn for someone you don't hesitate and you do it with no expectation of something in return.

I love you because...to Michael and Emily, you are 'my Mark' (as Michael said one day - instead of my Dad, or my Gramma).

I love you because...if it was possible you would still have the same doctor and dentist that you had as a child. You stay with what you know and you don't waiver easily.

I love you because...you have a sense of humour. You make Michael and Emily laugh. That sense of humour was what first attracted me to you.

I love you because...you cried when Michael was a baby and you were falling in love with him.

I love you because...you are romantic. I have cards with your love poems. I have dried flowers from the arrangements you have brought home. You have tended me when I am sick.

I love you because...you are thoughtful. You think about things, you are not impulsive.

I love you because...you are patient. You had to be with me.

I love you because...you are a good listener and a good friend.

I love you because...you are worldly and knowledgeable about so many different things. You are a smart man.

I love you because...you treat everyone with respect and courtesy. You are not sexist. You allow people 'to be'.

I love you because...you are spiritual. You believe in what is meant to be. You carry in you, some of the spiritual knowledge that your Mom has.

I love you because...you are graceful under pressure, respectful of others. You treat people well.

I love you because...you are strong, competent, and independent. You will always pull your own weight. And more.

I love you because...you are not just part of my family. You are my family.

I love you because...you are careful. With your heart. And mine.

3. My grandchildren. I am not the funniest, the smartest, the most popular, or the most athletic. I am not the best at everything I do, or the most knowledgeable. Certainly not the wittiest with comebacks. I am not the best looking, the fastest, or the most powerful. I am not gregarious, outgoing, or have the most friends. I am imperfect and sensitive. I can be a control freak, cry easily, and sometimes feel depressed and sorry for myself. In the grand scheme of life, I am but one small particle but when I hear, 'I love you Gramma' I am reminded that I am the luckiest person ever and that in that moment I make a difference and have a responsibility to be the best I can be.