I am grateful for memories of playing games with Mom. She rarely turned down an opportunity to play. I wish we had played more often and I could take back the times that I was “too busy” when she wanted to play Dominoes or Rook or Bananagrams or any other game with the family. Life is too short…

I am grateful for silly women who love to play Bingo. Last night, Lucy made her way very slowly to her table with her walker, and she typically needs a little help because the dining room chairs have casters. I met her at the table and held the chair while asking, “Is there anything else you need, Lucy?” Her response: “No, I just need to sit my butt in this chair.” It was laugh-out-loud funny, I guess, because she is normally fairly quiet and mostly proper. Took me off-guard before we ever began!

I am grateful for plain Triscuit crackers.

I am grateful for these phrases that were a part of my devotions this morning:

• Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity.
• Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulties.
• Don’t waste energy regretting the way things are or thinking about what might have been. Start at the present moment – accepting things exactly as they are – and search for My way in the midst of those circumstances.
•  Trust is like a staff you can lean on, as you journey uphill with Me. If you are trusting in Me consistently, the staff will bear as much of your weight as needed. Lean on, trust, and be confident in Me with all your heart and mind.

I am grateful for the surprise I received when I got home from Bingo last night. I was STARVING because of “fast day,” and when I walked in, there were two places all ready, salad on small plates, baked potatoes hot and ready, and a steak to share, hot off the grill. Thank you again, Sam.

I am grateful my bosses are back – everyone is in their office and all is right with the world again, at least here at work.

I am grateful for this devotion from Deb this morning that fits with my other devotion:

Our hope is not based on circumstances. It is through our adversities that we learn to trust in Jesus. Look upon adversities as an opportunity from God to grow in your faith and to become a stronger servant of His.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28.

I am grateful for the privilege we have to pray for our daughters and their families and our Dads every day, and I know that God hears and is answering.

I am grateful for flowers. Every yard should have flowers. Every room should have flowers. Everyone should have flowers…

Someday, I will have peonies.

I am grateful for Marlene today. I have been remembering the details of last year, and Marlene was such a support during Mom’s last days. We are so blessed to have had her presence in the apartment and her help with taking care of Mom. She has such a gift for caregiving…

And I am grateful that tonight is a busy night of counseling, cookie-baking, piano lessons, and choir rehearsal.