The Gratitude List, Part 3

Yesterday was another reminder that there’s a lot to be grateful for. I’m surrounded by so many people that have helped me heal and keep me clawing the way forward. Here are more examples.

Mood music:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t43VgJ4U9_Q&fs=1&hl=en_US]

First, I should flag the rest of my list in two earlier posts: The Healers (Adventures in Step 9) and The Gratitude List.

Here are the latest additions to the list:

Theresa and Rich Arel: The Arels are friends from church. Each Wednesday night for the last couple years, they’ve offered up their home for Arise gatherings. This past year has been tough for them. But they continue to give. Last night I had the pleasure of meeting Rich’s mom. I asked her for the dirt on Rich as a kid, but she kept it close to the vest. I’ll get it out of her someday. They have four beautiful daughters and a faith that can cut through the roughest of times. They love unconditionally, and I want to thank them for that.

The Peabodys: Renee and her family also go to my church. They’re going through tough times as well, because their Uncle, Father Nason, passed away earlier this week. They are one of the most loving families I’ve ever met, and yesterday, when I was obsessing about this upcoming weekend, Renee wrote me a beautiful note that set my mind at ease. Thanks, Renee.

Grace Rubenstein. Grace is a former colleague from The Eagle-Tribune. I was her night editor and we had a hell of a lot of fun working together. She lives in the San Francisco area now (she grew up there) and works as a writer and editor for the George Lucas Educational Foundation (Edutopia is the specific publication). Grace has made this jaded editor proud a few times since moving back west. She helped start a newspaper in her hometown, and now she has dedicated her writing to the advancement of education. But here’s what makes me proudest of all: She has started a new blog called Crazy Love, about mental health issues and matters of the home and heart. She’s going to kick ass with this blog. She’s not so sure about that, but you just watch. 

Sean Marley: I’ve written a ton about Sean in this blog. His life and death are a huge part of my story. But this week would have been his 44th birthday and it occurred to me that I’ve never actually thanked him for being there at a critical point in my life. Thanks, Sean.

New friends: I’ve made quite a few of them since starting this blog. They comment on my posts all the time and help keep me honest. Thanks for reading.