The Gift of Appreciation

Someone once told me a long time ago in treatment that if he could give one gift to everyone it would be the gift of appreciation/gratefulness because no matter where you are in life you would appreciate being at that place.

I started the day up early as usual blogging, reading and a coffee at Starbucks. As i took my usual walk, i noticed how many homeless people sleeping in the doorway of the church and on the street seeking money. An incredible dichotomy from the high life we are living at the hotel Taj and the surrounding opulence of the neighborhood. I thought about how I toss around the phrase "be grateful" more as a joke but as I walked along the streets seeing people strung out from life, i realized how grateful I am for the life I have and the people that are around me. I thought about Bill aging and moving toward a time when he can no longer travel. His diminished capacity even from last November and again, I thought so what, that he can't do what he was able to do in Scotland. He is still in the game and we need to be grateful for what he can still and wishes to do. It is us who have to adjust our expectations and regiments to coincide with this part of his life. I have learn and being with Bill has reenforced the knowledge that taking care of someone you love has more to do with learning about yourself. So here we are, 1 loving daughter on the road, 1 Handleizing son-in-law, 2 loving daughters with their husbands, children and grandchildren, great grandchildren at home, a brother and friends all interested, reading about, loving one wonderful, humble and good man. I should be so fortunate at the end of my journey....