Dear Family,
Last night, as we slumped around the table, bellies full and wine glasses empty, I took my turn and shared two words of gratitude. Surprised, you asked if that was all. The truth is, it wasn’t, but at the time, those were the only words I could say out loud. Now, hours later in the light of day, I have the rest.
I am grateful for the dawn over the Sierras inching up, pale pink to my left, golden yellow to my right, unveiling my angels sleeping in the back seat.
I am grateful for the dark roast with cream warming next to me as I type, helping me greet every morning with a smile.
I am grateful for the new and the old, the memories that push me forward into the future and those that ground me in the past.
I am grateful for air conditioning, Bintang beer and chocolate-center Cotton Buns. You saw me through some challenging times last summer.
I am grateful for friends I’ve made and lost, friends I’ve seen and those I have only thought of. You may not know it, but I listen to you and learn more about myself from your presence.
I’m grateful for curiosity, challenge and conflict. From them, I grow into a better human.
I’m grateful for brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, uncles and aunts, grandmothers and grandfathers. Your eyes help create my vision, even when they don’t see in the same direction.
I’m grateful for simplicity, complication, and everything in between. It always seems to come at just the wrong, yet just the right time.
I’m grateful for the 6,000,000-plus like-minded people who turned left, not right, and helped me see a future.
I’m grateful for the wind whistling through the trees. Some say it’s the spirit talking. I’m thankful I believe them.
I’m grateful for language. The words I write, the sounds I hear, and the letters I read teach me in a way I learn best.
I’m grateful for faith, wavering in and out, back and forth, between the sky, the spirits, and the universe. Sometimes, you’re all I’ve got.
I’m grateful for June 29, 1985. Our worlds collided then, and life has been a doozy ever since.
Now, I’m back to where I began. Two words. Two spirits. Two reasons to face each day, to walk the talk, to take a step forward when what I really want to do is stay right where I am. Because when the pink glow is gone, replaced by a blaze of red, or orange, or a blanket of black, those two words are all that matter.
And that, dear family, is what I’m grateful for.
Love,
J
Jennifer Wolfe
Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.
Follow Me:
Comments: 24
Wendy
December 2, 2015What a beautifully written reflection! I was trying to decide which lines were my favorite, but I could not pick just one. These are the ones that pull at me the most:
“I’m grateful for brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, uncles and aunts, grandmothers and grandfathers. Your eyes help create my vision, even when they don’t see in the same direction.” — Yes, yes. We may not always agree, but we do always shape each other. And that is a good thing.
“I’m grateful for simplicity, complication, and everything in between. It always seems to come at just the wrong, yet just the right time.” Again, yes. How many “bad” things have changed my life for the better? I’ve lost count!
You have a beautiful way with words! Glad I saw your post at #FridayReflections!
Wendy recently posted…My Worst Gift Giving Mistakes + A FREE Gift Giving Planner
Jennifer Wolfe
December 2, 2015Wendy, your comment means the world to me. I love writing about gratitude, and am so touched that my personal words connected with you! I’m glad we’ve connected, too!
Ericka @ A Quiet Girl's Musings...
November 29, 2015Very poignant post and beautifully written.
Jennifer Wolfe
November 30, 2015Thank you, Ericka. I so appreciate your kind comment. Thanks for stopping by!
Janine
November 27, 2015So incredibly touching and beautifully written. Your words I am grateful for today.
Janine recently posted…My Love Affair With Body Bashing
Jennifer Wolfe
November 28, 2015Janine, thank you. I’m grateful that we have gotten to share our writing with each other!
sue
November 27, 2015What a lovely list and you do have much to be thankful for. I understand how you felt after your big day – tired, full and feeling good but unable to express yourself fully. Lists sometimes need time for reflection and it is never too late to say what you are thankful for. Stopping by from #FridayReflections
sue recently posted…Time to Learn to Say No without Feeling Guilty
Jennifer Wolfe
November 28, 2015Sue, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. I completely agree- I need time to process, but gratitude is timeless.
Jennifer Wolfe
December 12, 2015You’re so right, Sue! Thanks for commenting with your kind words.
Thankful She's Home - mamawolfe
November 27, 2014[…] p.s. – It’s never a bad time to reflect on all we have, the richness of our lives, and the gratitude for all the memories we have. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’d love to share some past thoughts on giving thanks, the comfort of home and pumpkin bread, the perfect dog buddy, baking bread, and gratitudes that last over time, […]
Courtney G
November 27, 2012Ahh, I loved this! I’m going to put it in our weekly link roundup:)
Jennifer Wolfe
November 28, 2012Thank you very much, Courtney! I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it…looking forward to the weekly roundup!
Pamela
November 25, 2012Oh this is so beautiful! thanks so much for sharing!
Jennifer Wolfe
November 26, 2012Thank you, Pamela. I’m so glad you stopped by my blog today!
April
November 25, 2012What a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing =)
Jennifer Wolfe
November 25, 2012Thank you, April. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Czjai Reyes-Ocampo
November 25, 2012Lovely post! I too, am grateful, for the cup of coffee sitting next to me. 😉
Jennifer Wolfe
November 25, 2012Czjai, you and I are kindred spirits! Coffee is the only way to start me day off right!
Columba Lisa
November 25, 2012Great summary of Thanksgiving. There is so much to be grateful for, if we’re paying attention.
Jennifer Wolfe
November 25, 2012Thank you. You are so right about paying attention; for me, it’s the little things that matter the most these days.
Theresa
November 25, 2012Very beautiful post and all are such lovely things to be grateful for! Thanks for sharing your list 🙂
Jennifer Wolfe
November 25, 2012Thank you, Theresa. I am lucky to be aware of all of them.
My Inner Chick
November 25, 2012b e a u t i f u l
prayer.
Xx
Jennifer Wolfe
November 25, 2012Thank you, Kim. I guess it is.