Whenever I was sad, or in a bad mood as a kiddo, my mom always suggested that we write down as many things as we could think of to be grateful for. Usually, we’d get a big yellow legal pad out, and she’d start. I was always huffing and rolling my eyes when we started, but generally, once we got on a roll, we’d fill up the whole sheet of paper and I’d be smiling by the end.
So, even though my mom is no longer around to help me, and – if I’m being honest – I’m furious about that, I thought I’d start my day with some things I’m grateful for.
1. My Family
2. Long road trips with big blue skies
3. Cousins for Adrienne
4. Adrienne and her cheeks
5. Getting the chance to meet my dad’s high school buddies last week – and them telling me I look exactly like my mom did when she was younger.
6. Exercise
7. My mother-in-law. Actually, all my in-laws.
8. This fork that Pumpernickle and Wry sent me. (Thank you, I love it to pieces!!)
9. This song
10. Chobani and their generosity. Not only did they sponsor BLEND, but they sent me a thank you/condolences note with a gift card to Whole Foods…which I spent entirely on impulse purchases.
11. My supremely wonderful (and handsome) Meeker
12. You all. Getting the many emails, comments, texts, calls, cards, and tweets from old and new friends, expressing your condolences and sharing memories of my mom is like a giant (virtual) hug that has comforted me more than I can say. Thank you immensely.
Aw Katie girl, I’m sure you’re still having a rough time with everything. Just wanted to let you know I love you! Go squeeze that baby’s cheeks, that will make you smile!
this is beautiful. God comforts you with such blessings. agreed! And i spy trilogy kombucha!! xoxo
Sending you another virtual hug, Katie.
bless you, dear Katie! what grace during this time of struggle to accept and yet be human with grief and suffering…my father passed when i was 21 and never got to see me get married or his only grandchild…time heals and God is ALWAYS there…may you feel His surrounding love over you and your family! that’s right! find things to be grateful for and you will overcome with HIS help! love, pam
Beautiful post. You and your family are absolutely beautiful too! Sending hugs your way xoxo
you are so amazing, Katie. One of my very best friends. I can’t imagine how hurt you are – praying without ceasing!
I loved this post – and your mama is right! It’s an exercise I always go through as well when I’m feeling down. I love you friend! Sending lots of hugs your way!
Sending you a virtual hug. I can not imagine how you must be feeling…. But my thoughts and prayers are with you and your adorable family.
I didn’t dare to write my condolences when you first posted about your Mom – I only know you through the internet and although I was really sad and sorry for you, I didn’t feel like it was right for me to post it. I was afraid it would seem superficial and pretentous. I hope this makes sense to you.
I am in awe of how you seem to be coping with the situation. I can’t believe that you managed to organize guest posts and can now talk about gratitude. I bet your Mom would be so proud of you.
I hope this post was ok and didn’t say anything presumptuous.
Katie I love your list. You have been on my mind since I heard about your mom….she has obviously instilled greatness in you. Adrienne is so lucky to have you and Meeker. I hope things get a little easier in the days to come, but when you have those bad days, know we are here to listen:)
So many things to say about this post. 1. A’s cheeks. 2. the railroad photo of her. 3. that fork!!!! 4. your gorgeous face. 5. your positive outlook 6. WF gift cards should only be spent on impulse buys. good job. 7. LOVE you.
This list is such a great idea that I hope I can write it my children (when I have them
It’s really beautiful you remember your mother this way
She was true, it’s important to be grateful everyday!
Your attitude is absolutely inspiring, your Mom sounds like a wonderful lady and I know she would be so proud of you. I love her idea of a list, I’ll have to steal that and give her credit.
What a beautiful way to remember your Mom.
Oh Katie you are such a strong person. I love that in the midst of tragedy you can still find the joy. Life just isn’t fair and I have been thinking about you constantly. I am grateful for you. You have shown me so much kindness and support through my baby struggles and I wish that there was something I could do for you now. But just know I think of you often and I pray for healing and peace for you and especially your Dad.
Your positive attitude is inspiring. Always remember that you will have these wonderful thoughts and traditions from your mom to make these moments a little more bearable. Your family is definitely in my thoughts.
what a beautiful memory of your mom – that’s definitely something i’m going to be adopting and using in our family too now!
and yes, baby cheeks are the best. i’m convinced they have magical powers to make anyone feel better!
I love this. I’ve been meaning to start a gratitude journal, because honestly, we spend too much time complaining and not enough time giving thanks for the things we should be grateful for. Sending you more big hugs!
I spy whole foods fresh ground peanut butter in that basket! the best! Hope you continue to feel better throughout this hard time, we are here for you!
Couple pic responses to share. That first family pic on the top right of you, A & Meeker is just perfect- LOVE IT. Second- that solo pic of Meeker is hot, you weren’t kidding
I love your Mom’s suggestion of writing down things we’re thankful for. I think we all need to do this more often- I plan to tonight with Ryan.
I absolutely LOVE this. What a great reminder to us all to appreciate the things we have in our life versus focusing on those negatives.
Sweet Kate, I love you. Thanks for this post. It is beautiful. God is good. I can’t imagine what I would do w/o you, dear sister. Praying for you as you grieve. <3
Wish I could do more than virtual hugs and prayers – you’re an incredibly strong woman!
We are living so much more when we have appreciation! I am thankful for YOU. I got chills as I posted on your “song” and realized it’s the very song I downloaded this morning. Love you. <3
I think of you every single day! <3
We’re so grateful for YOU! What a lovely tribute to your mother. I know she’s smiling down on you right now.
And, I have a guest post coming your way still! Sorry for the delay. But I love you! And miss you! And hope to catch up soon!
Hugs, hugs.
Holly
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What a great post Katie! I heart you and your family, you are so cute! Hope you are finding the comfort and peace you need right now. Hugs:)
When I’m in adoration at church, this is how I start my prayer. Once you get started, sometimes it’s hard to stop. Last time, I started listing the people who love and care for me. Mentally start on the east coast and working your way west. It’s incredibly comforting!
Also, the Mercy Me song has gotten me through many a dark days. Praying for you!
i love you. AND that photo of baby A on the tracks.. oh, my.
Hugs.
I love this, and I love you friend! I think of you and pray for you everyday. I love that song too!!! I wish I could give you a big hug!
Thank you for sharing your life with us through your blog. I so love reading your posts and seeing your awesome smile! Blessings.
I love this list. You are an amazing person and you and your family are in my thoughts. So, so, so sorry – sending as many hugs as possible!
Beautiful! I have been thinking about you every day. I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
I love your gratitude list, Katie. I’ve been thinking about you so much. Another dear friend of mine lost her mom last week and I’ve been feeling for both of you. I can’t send you enough hugs and wishes for peace. Your light and love amaze me. Keep shining, my dear!
Katie, remember how many people’s lists you and your mom would be on. We are thankful for you and your mom IS proud of you.
What a great lesson your Mom taught you through that exercise- she raised a very compassionate, kind daughter. Such a good reminder to count your blessings. My heart goes out to you and your family. Sending you a hug.
Although I’ve barely known you, I know you’re an amazing person. Way to be strong and find beautiful ways to remember your mother *virtual hug*
That’s the fork I sent you!! I think I sent you an email about it in or around the same day your mom passed and was scared the package would get left with a pile of boxes on your doorstep while in Texas. (for some reason, I can apparently only picture your house drowning in boxes now)
A great lesson your mom taught you, and a practice I’ve become very well versed in recently. I like to think that even though life comprises of a lot of pain and suffering, the good still far outweighs all of that to make it still so worth it.
Lots of love to you Katie!!
Yes, we must always count our blessings and when we do that, the world seems so much better place to be in.
hugs.
I feel for your loss, take care Katie. The memory of your mum will always live in your heart! She’ll always be with you!
Wow, I am so sorry girl. Praying for you. Your attitude is beautiful and your heart is shining through right now. You are awesome!
That’s a great idea to write down your “gratefuls” I will remember that the next time I want to throw the covers over my head and stay in bed all day. Sorry about your Ma oxoxoxxo
This is such an awesome idea! What a great way to remember your mom- She sounds like a fantastic woman! You are in our prayers.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18
Katie, I haven’t been here in a while and just catching up on some major blog reading, but I was so happy to read about everything you are grateful for. Life is amazing!
I’ll be back soon.