That’s how many gratefuls I aspire to share…

I am grateful that Sam is doing what he loves and I am grateful for kernels of corn in his pockets at the end of a long day.

I am grateful for the crisp on fried chicken.

I am grateful for progress.

 

I am grateful for a small town USA grocery store that still believes in carrying groceries to the car for its customers.

I am grateful for Lurch and Morticia, our creepy grasses and only Halloween decorations this year.

 

I am also grateful that the grandchildren evidence is still on that cracked sidewalk, black holes from Independence Day snakes.

And I am grateful for that beautiful chime that hangs above the steps on the porch, a gift from Karen and Ken when Sam’s Dad passed away.

I am grateful for tears of remorse and forgiveness and grateful for a soft heart.

I am grateful for an artful gift from my sister that hangs in our entry.

 

I am grateful that my brother’s thumb is still attached today.

I am grateful for the writers of “This is Us.” The world is a better place because of your talent.

I am grateful for a late October warm day before the cold arrives tomorrow.

I am grateful that the cold arrives tomorrow and the box elders will hibernate.

 

I am grateful for small town USA plumbers and painters and remodelers who just open our door and say, “Hello???”

I am grateful for a quiet drive in the country at lunch time.

I am grateful for my new laundry room.

 

I am grateful for clean socks.

I am grateful that I can hear the sounds of a group of kids playing in the city park across the street on this late Wednesday afternoon. It is a glorious sound.

I am grateful for boilers that work and 100-year-old house radiators that are radiating.

 

I am grateful for connection to my grandchildren and the ache in my heart as I miss them.

 

I am grateful for quiet moments this morning in prayer.

I am still grateful for the musical “Singing in the Rain.” When there are not enough smiles, this one will inspire.

I am grateful that I can follow instructions and set up a new printer without having to call my brother or an 800 number.

And I am grateful for new pillows.