I am grateful for a walk in a light rain.

I am grateful for sounds of small town USA.

I am grateful that in the silence of my walk, the rocks cry out, and the droplets of rain rain, and the birds sing, and the stems of grass reach, and the hyacinths open.

I am grateful for my family – my brother’s help and always happy demeanor, my sister’s calls, my brother and sister-in-law’s zoom reunions now in effect, and my Dad’s love…and Alexa Echo calls from grandchildren in Texas and Washington.

I am grateful for a renewed motivation to get back to 15,000 steps.

I am grateful for Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir music that fills my soul.

And I am grateful for a bucket list item checked off – I am a soon-to-be graduate, even if it is just an Associate’s. Two weeks ago, I received an email asking for a picture to be included in the graduation ceremony that will be virtual and online this year. I thought it was a mistake and ignored the email. But I got another one that was a reminder. When I responded that they mistakenly had me on the list, I received an email this morning informing me it was not a mistake. I am graduating with an Associates in General Studies.

It took me long enough, and it was a surprise, but I did it. Now if I could just figure out what I want to be when I grow up, I could go on to get the next two years out of the way.