This summer has flown by.  I have started and failed to finish several blog posts.  Instead of sitting at the computer, I’ve been busy living.  This is a good and necessary thing.  This year has included the loss of several friends and heroes.  Too often, I have found myself sitting in a church pew wishing that I had spent more time and given more thanks.  I’ve also watched too many loved ones go through the same process.

Last summer, I worked on unplugging.  This summer, I’m working on appreciation. My child is healthy and happy.  I have a safe home, good food on the table and people to love.  Life is beautiful.  Life is short.

I should be writing a post about all the awesome stuff we’ve been up.  I’ll get to that eventually.  Instead, I need to give thanks.

If you have kissed away my tears, calmed my fears, and lightened my burdens– thank you.  Someday, maybe I’ll return the favor and ease your pain.

If you have opened up my world, giving me opportunities to learn, discover and explore– thank you.

If you have made me laugh until I cried– thank you.

If you have given me patience and compassion at my worst moments– thank you.

If you challenged me, pushed me, and wanted me to be better– thank you.

If you have loved me with all my spastic and irritating habits– thank you.

If you have listened to me– thank you.

If you have let me listen– thank you.

Thank you to my parents.  To my family.   To my friends. To Sister Maria Tardani.  My world is a better place because of you.

Here’s to being the change we want to see.