Thankful

Somebody I know passed away last week and I just can't stop thinking about him and his family.  I didn't know him that well but it's just such an awful feeling to remember meeting this person several times and realizing that now he isn't here anymore.  I just feel so bad for his family and am praying for their healing.

It has made me think about what I am thankful for and to be appreciative of my life.  Today I devote my post to being thankful for...

• My family that is always there for each other, through thick and thin.  We've been tested and while it hasn't been easy, we've held strong.  Amen for my family.
• A roof over my head.  I saw somebody today crossing the road with all of his belongings.  He waved his hand to gesture a thank you as I waited for him to cross and all I could think of was how heavy his bag looked and where he would be sleeping tonight.  I am grateful to live in a house and be comfortable.
• Everybody that keeps me supported, from Rich to my best friends, to my bloggies, to my doggies.  I had the sweet pleasure of having dinner with my friend Kristin and also catching up on the phone with my best friend Michelle.  I so very much treasure having these friendships and so many others.  I feel very blessed and honored to be surrounded by so many awesome friends, locally and a far.  You are all my surrogate family.  :)
• Having the simple luxuries that I forget about all too often and take for granted.
• Loving my work as well as the people I work with and for.
• Coming home and having the smell of dog pee be the biggest thing I have to immediately worry about.
• Talking about smells, being able to smell an apple tree blossom today at the nursery and think if you could describe a smell as 'pretty', this would be it.
• Sitting on facebook and blogger all evening so that I can avoid turning on the tube.  From one piece of technology to another, huh?  but still, I am grateful to have found the whole world of blogging.

I guess that's it for now.  I mean honestly, I can think of so many things but I don't want to bore with you my rose-colored view of life.  I feel like my list only skims the surface.  I guess that when I take a step back I feel that I am grateful for the make up of my life but don't necessarily recognize enough and give enough thanks for it, if that makes sense to anybody.

Sigh.  Even while giving thanks and recognizing how special my life is, I still feel somber.  The days are fine and then late at night is when I am reminded about this person's passing.  My friend Liz reminded me today that "God doesn't make mistakes" and that is a good reminder for me.  I believe that Heaven gained an angel last week.  Rest in peace my friend.

-xxx-