I am grateful for the way the wind sounds at 2:43 am as it whistles through the screen of our open bedroom window.

I am grateful for the message of “I Can Only Imagine,” and grateful that I sat next to Sam last night in the theater and felt him sobbing as we were both touched by the story.

I am grateful for my mom’s attention to detail and the fact that it was passed down to me when it comes to editing, even though I drive some people crazy.

I am grateful for my single kitchen sink.

I am grateful that Sam takes care of the hard things and spares me but includes me so that if I ever have to deal with the hard things, I will have the knowledge and ability.

I am grateful for Brandy and her story that makes us close. We are not alone on our journey, and someday, we will share those ashes that God replaced with a new, beautiful life.

I am grateful for a speech my niece wrote about my wonderful mom. Tears of joy and sadness all at the same time…

And I am grateful for stress and sleeplessness and a mother-worry that brings me to my knees.