Gratitude

I am Grateful ...

For being the wife

Who says it's leftovers tonight,

Because I am home,

Not working the late shift,

And we had more than enough to eat last night.

For my husband

Who is fell asleep early,

Because he worked hard all day,

Has a good job,

And is home with me.

For my teenager

Who is complaining about being stretched too thin,

Because it means she is a superb student, has a job,

And spends time with a great group of friends.

For my young adult

Who landed back at home

After completing grad school,

Because it means she had a soft place to fall

And trusts us to boost her to the next level.

For my daughter

Who struggles to just feel normal,

Because she hasn't given up

And is still alive.

For my job as family Trustee,

Because despite the frustrations,

It means my daughters, nieces and nephews

Had a chance to go to college.

For the taxes we pay,

Because it means

We are doing our part

To help the common good.

For the mess to clean after a party,

Because it means I was able

To give my daughter a memorable prom night.

For the clothes that fit a little too snug,

Because it means

I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work,

Because it means

I am out in the sunshine.

For a lawn that needs raking,

Windows that need cleaning,

And doors that need painting,

Because it means I have a home.

For all the complaining

I hear about the government,

Because it means

We have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot

I find at the far end of the parking lot,

Because it means I am capable of walking,

I have a gym membership,

And I have been blessed with transportation.

For our huge heating bill,

Because it means

I was warm this winter.

For the baby who won't stop crying

At the next table in the restaurant,

For I can hear

And don't have to cook.

For the pile of laundry and mending,

Because it means

I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles

At the end of the day,

Because it means I am

Capable of working hard.

For the doctor bills,

Because it means I'm one of a minority

Who gets preventative care

And has health insurance.

For waking at dawn,

Because it means I am alive

And my husband is stirring beside me.