Eight years ago, I started the practice of writing down five things I am grateful for every night. The first few days after I lost my husband so unexpectedly, life was a blur, and I missed a lot of days, but it didn't take me long to realize in the midst of our despair and grief, there are still many blessings and miracles in our lives if we just stay open to them.

It isn't always easy, but it sure does help to focus on what is right in our life. How many people there are that are kind, and loving, and there for us. And when we feel most alone, look at all the beauty around us. The sun still comes up, and especially now, the flowers are blooming, the trees are sprouting green and the beauty of nature is abundant. And if that isn't enough, I turn on TV, to see all the horrible things happening in this world...and it puts my life back into perspective.

I am thankful you have such a wonderful person in your life. And how blessed is your daughter that he is there to take care of her!

Yes, I think in every day, if we but look, there are more blessings than bad things in our lives. We just need to tune our minds and hearts to be able to see them.

What a beautiful attitude to live by and one endorsed by all religious teachings. Counting blessings instead of losses is a very healthy way to extend your own happiness. I have been blessed with loving parents, a loving marriage, trusted friends, and a happy and healthy life. Yes, my husband died at the beginning of our retirement years, but the blessing of having him and our children are blessings that will be with me forever. Sharon

Tiki, I think you have a real gem there for a SIL. I hope your daughter and you grab hold of him real tight and don't let go, ever.

Best Regards, George

What a uplifting post! People like your SIL are incredibly special. I am so glad he is in your life. I really loved the idea of writing down 5 things we are grateful for. So often in our lonliness and yes ongoing sadness it is easy to get derailed to a place that is not emotionally healthy. The writing down I think is a excellent way to balance things out. I am going to start doing that tonight! God bless Gerald

Thank you for sharing how blessed we are even in the midst of our struggle. I cannot express how thankful I am for my daughters and my grandson who has helped me in so many ways. My sons live at opposite ends of the country and is no able to be here, but my daughters have really been a blessing. Not only them, but the seniors from the different centers I attend call to check on me. Every morning I thank God that I can see, hear, walk and talk and that I am functioning mentally in a rational manner, hopefully. I am being provided for financially and everyday I am striving to move forward. We are not there yet, but we are closer today than we were yesterday.

Love reading this post!!! You are blessed in many ways.

So thankful that our blessings far outweigh all the negative. Even when I feel like I have lost half of myself since my husband died I can always look at my children and be reminded of how truly blessed that I am! I have had so many "angels" come into my life since my husbands illness and passing and that has been a wonderful gift.