Appreciating

Think back on all the times when you had someone or something that you just took for granted. It/they were always there to the point you almost didn't even see it/them anymore. I've been spending the past few hours thinking about this.

The most obvious person for me was Dan. He was always there for me, good or bad times. We were so in tune to one another that we didn't have to talk to know how we felt or what we were thinking. Evey night we'd get into bed and discuss the day. We'd guide each other through the rough times and hold each other through the good times. Or was it the other way around, heck it was both, all the time. He did everything for me when both cancers came. I mean everything. Celine Dion had a song "Because You Loved Me" which became my tribute to him and my family. I never would have made it through that without them.

What about family as a whole? Your children, sisters, brother, parents, in laws... You knew you could call and there would be someone to talk to, to listen to, to just hang out on the phone with. (You have to hang out on the phone when you live far away.) I've never been the type to want to call anyone when I was depressed or upset. I could be there to help them, but I didn't like dumping my woes on others. Yet everyone would say I'm here to listen too. And they would be.

Friends. People that started out as acquaintances became major people in your lives. For example: Grandpa Ed. He started as Tricia's bus driver when she was in grade school in Wisconsin. Some people are true living saints. That is Ed to us. You meet people that inspire you to your soul. That is Ed. Today I have a friend Terry who is that type of inspiration. She is goodness to the core. I thank God daily for the friends, family and new people who so change my life.

As for things, let's talk jobs. We whine when we have to work and whine when we are unemployed (me lately). What's the saying "The grass is always greener..."? I long for the day when I don't spend hours job searching, filling out applications, and interviewing. But hey, you can't get a job without the process. Here's my latest kick on material things: what if you didn't have your cell phone, TV, computer, microwave, DVD, or ... CAR! We are so spoiled!

What I think this experience of being unemployed has shown me is that I have a lot, and I don't appreciate it or people the way I should. So for the next few hours I'm going to sit in my chair and just think about all my blessings and how to appreciate them more.

AMEN!