I am grateful for piano music all throughout the house, all day long.

I am grateful for time on the front porch.

I am grateful for the hymn “Nearer My God to Thee.”

I am grateful for a painful and slow realization that I am more independent and stronger than I thought. I can do this.

I am grateful for activity at the bird feeder, even if it is more black birds and mourning doves than cardinals and pretty songbirds.

I am grateful for new plants to plant, for signs of life on my butterfly bush and wisteria and purple pearls and flowering plum trees.

I am grateful for a surprise visit from our two neighbor girls with a popcorn order form.

I am grateful that it is not difficult to take out the trash and not an assigned duty for the man of the house. I am capable.

I am grateful that I have a washing machine and dryer to do laundry.

I am grateful for an inner circle today who allowed me to unload and lean.

I am grateful for silent sobs that hurt and make life real.

Into Your hands, I entrust my life.

Now, for some plant therapy.