I am overwhelmed today. By B, by Kate and Jem, by my wonderful family near and far, by my friends, by the absolutely exquisite day today, simply by it all. I am so grateful that today I turned 46 yet I felt like a kid in a candy store. Overwhelmed by the beauty that surrounds me. (And yes that does include my new MacBook Air).
I am grateful today for lazy saturday mornings. My bed, a cup of coffee and vanity fair. Bliss. I love the fact that we all love pj days … in fact Jem and I had lunch in our pj’s today. I am grateful that we can just stop. Even if just for a morning.
Today I am so grateful for tradition. The tradition of breakfast with friends for my birthday. I am grateful for it because tradition implies history. And shared history makes me feel part of this new life. But I am especially grateful because finally after nearly four years, I realised I am no longer holding my breath.
Chatting to Helen into the early hours of today made me realise how blessed I am to have her for a mother-in-law. I am grateful for the relationship we enjoy. We discuss everything from the girls, to politics, to B, to religion, to computers, to pscyhology, to books, to education, to relationships. In fact, life. I value her opinion, not only because it is honest and informed, but because, even at 83, she is more openminded than most.
Today I am so grateful to have a friend like Cathy. A friend who’s seen me at my worst. A friend who I know will always be there. A friend I met in fluffy slippers. A friend who knows no amount of emails can compare with one handwritten card all the way from home. A true friend.
I am grateful for gelato. Especially from Amo Gelato. Especially the belgian chocolate. And especially with three such gorgeous companions. Ice cream truly does make everything better. Even if just for a moment.
I am grateful for Jem’s kindness today. She was the only one in my family who didn’t snort or giggle or do a mock tennis match sports commentary at seeing my excitement at receiving my first ever trophy today. So what if it was just for being the 2011 ladies singles champion of the monday ladies group. I bloody love it.
I am grateful for friendships. In all the various forms we find them. Often in the most unexpected of places. I am grateful for the comfort I derive in the sharing and the caring. I can only hope my friends feel the same. I am here. Always. And I thank you for being there. The knowledge that you will always be there no matter what, is comforting.
I was very grateful today that I arrived at the surf club early for my walk. I had time to watch this gorgeous chocolate labrador. Guide dog in training. He sat on this bench alertly watching after his trainer who went in for a swim. He never moved. His gaze never wavered. How committed he was. How committed his trainer was. What a gift to someone he will be. What a gift to me today to just sit and watch and learn.
Today I am grateful for my friend Jo. Not only for inviting an efrican into her home for Australia Day but mostly for getting me. She mocks me, she laughs at me, she teases me, she doesn’t let me take myself too seriously. Most importantly she doesn’t make me feel different. And one day, she’ll be grateful to me for teaching her to say fuck off the way I do.
grace and dignity 