So it is my responsibility and privilege to appreciate everything and not take anything for granted.

Therefore, today, I am grateful for:

• The sound of acorn shells being crunched underfoot
• The feeling of a shower when I’m drenched in sweat after an early morning walk in the stifling humidity
• The fun surprise of receiving a little puffy package from China with a very pretty, unique bracelet inside, compliments of my daughter who thought of me
• Real dishes to eat from instead of paper plates
• The privilege of dialing my Dad’s phone number and being able to talk to him whenever I want
• The sound of Anjalie’s giggle in the background as her mom is sharing her day on the phone with me
• The excitement of a baseball game when the crowd is electrified
• Tiger balm on a sore shoulder and neck
• Elyria’s cheesy turkey or chicken tetrazzini, Central Christian’s chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes, and CBA’s verenika with ham and onion gravy. Yes, I am hungry. Yes, for carbs.
• Strangers who wave “hi”
• The feeling a set of pruning shears gives as I snip
• Silly pictures

• The sound of quiet as soon as a chainsaw stops or a lawnmower is shut off or jake brakes stop grinding
• Nice responses to my posts
• Hearing about a first day at nursing school
• Tart apples
• This season of life
• Sharing my favorite books with a good friend and the feeling of satisfaction when walking out of the post office and knowing another thing can be crossed off the list – they’re on their way.
• Being told every morning how fortunate he is that I am his wife
• A brother who sends me a funny story
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Being on the sidelines of the office drama, not in the middle of it
• Wasp and hornet spray
• Memories of Friday night high school football games
• And memories of seeing Mom’s Fostoria pudding cups in the refrigerator filled with chocolate pudding