A gratitude post

This morning I am grateful that I have a roof over my head, warmth and peanut butter cookies for breakfast. 

This morning I am grateful that Sandy didn't do as much damage to the city I live in as she could have.  I expect in the years to come we will have larger and more violent storms but other than a loss of power and some downed trees (neither of which I experienced) we came through this one okay.  I am grateful for far aways friend who called or texted to see how Maine was faring in the storm.  I am grateful for those who were out in the storm around the clock helping those who needed it.

This morning I am grateful for that day a week or two ago when I was sure I was getting sick (it turned out be allergies) and so I stocked my cabinet with sudafed and cold medicine so that when I awoke this morning with a sore throat, fever and stuffed up sinuses I was prepared to deal with it.

This morning I am grateful for the 17 years I've had with one member of the spinster pride named Orange.  She is very near the end of her days, frail and fighting cancer.  I think her body is close to giving up and while I wish with all my heart that I could keep her around forever I don't want her to suffer.  I may be saying goodbye as soon as tomorrow.  My heart is heavy with that.  I am grateful for the expressions of care and love sent her and my way. 

This morning I am grateful for the opportunity to create collaboratively with some hugely talented people and the multiple opportunities I have in the coming week to dance and make music with all of them.   

This morning I am grateful that I have a mind that wants to learn and a body that is up to the task of the many hours of work it takes to get ever closer to earning my degree.  I am grateful that what I am learning is useful to me and others.  I am grateful that so much of it I can use now.   I am grateful that so many of my fellow students want to make the world a better place. 

This morning I am grateful to be alive, to have had the experiences that brought me here today and for the amount of love that is present in my life.