I am grateful for a chipmunk that greets me on the patio.

I am grateful for memories of my Mom saying the tackiest, most inappropriate (but truthful) things. Not to purposefully hurt feelings; she was just being Mom. Then, it wasn’t so funny. Now, it is. Sometimes I find myself becoming more and more like her.  And that’s a good thing, mostly. Oh, Lord, please guard my tongue.

I am grateful for Nilla Wafers.

I am grateful for a home to go to when I am not feeling very good. I cannot imagine what it must be like to be homeless and be ill.

I am grateful that my grandchildren have had the opportunity to go to VBS this week.

I am grateful for a news story about a little girl who I’ve thought about all day long, for the past two days – I imagine she sounds just like Parker:

Abby reminds me of Parker Grace. 

I am grateful to have spoken to both of my girls yesterday.

I am grateful to be cared for when I do not feel good. A simple act like removing my shoes and socks, or a kiss on the forehead, or taking care of cleaning up after dinner, or being given a glass of water with some Tylenol after I’ve already gone to bed – I feel very loved…and very blessed.

I am grateful to have finally met my CASA girl, “Cari.” She is beautiful and so easy to talk to, and I can see us becoming great friends. I am grateful that she is in a wonderful foster home, is attending a great youth group at her church, and life is beginning to look up for her.

I am grateful for memories of being rewarded with an angelfish from the pet store if I didn’t cry at the doctor when I got a tetanus shot after stepping on a nail at Susan Bishop’s house.

Today, my Dad needs a fish.

I am grateful for a jolly maintenance man – he is just so pleasant to be around, and jolly is the right word to describe him today.

And I am grateful that my Savior has his arms wrapped around my family members and is keeping them safe in the midst of it all.