Blessings

In times of sorrow, it is amazing the abundance of blessings that surround us.

I am sad.  There's no real way around it... Like the mountain - can't go over it, can't go under it and again, I certainly can't go around it (but I'm working on getting through it.)

But in the haze of tears (and there have been and will be many) I feel so incredibly fortunate and blessed.

Sometimes, I feel so consumed by anger and grief that it's hard to see my way through it.  So to help clear my vision I count my blessings for my friends who held me up when I didn't think I could stand (they are still holding me up... and I imagine they will continue to do so for a while yet.) 

I say a prayer of thanks for my friends; my friends' parents and our family that are watching out for Mum... it makes me breathe slightly easier since I'm not there.  And although my heart feels a bit broken and a sort of full all at once, I thank my colleagues for their help and the families at school for their love and understanding.  I can't even express how grateful I am for Phill, so I'm not going to even try.  Same goes for Faiza.  And... And... And... The list could go on and on and on...  So far, I do this little exercise every night.  It helps. 

I was feeling particularly blue last week... Then I was assailed with tokens of love (I dismantled and ate the beautiful gift basket, but below are photos of some of the wonderful pick me ups I received.)  There are beautiful and thoughtful cards sprinkled throughout the house and flowers in my classroom that are not shown below, but well appreciated nonetheless.

After a few days back... this was handed to me one morning.

These flowers greeted me on Tuesday after work, with a lovely card from the school.

I got these ones on Friday from a family in the Montessori Unit - hand delivered, along with a few big hugs. 

This brought a tear to my eye but a smile to my heart.  What beautiful children.  I'm going to frame this one.

Just lucky and thankful to be so loved.