I'm Just Grateful

(Originally written: December 2021)

It’s hard to believe that I’m struggling with the right words to begin this blog. The last several weeks have given me material for volumes of entertaining stories. These stories would probably make you laugh, cry, curse, or pray for me. I haven’t decided how many adventures I will take you on today. I did however resolve that I won’t take you down the road of despair. After the week I had, I intend to use this writing opportunity to explain why I’m always so grateful.    

In my last blog, I shared how tense life has been for me and it seems that these past two weeks have amped up just enough to challenge my ability to continue to maintain a state of peace. Both of my daughters got sick and my oldest daughter has two daughters… So what's a mother to do? 

Well, my first point of gratitude goes to one of my besties who accepted her love assignment and volunteered to take care of my oldest granddaughter for five days, while I cared for my youngest daughter and youngest granddaughter (and my oldest daughter from afar). I could have lost my wits by trying to care for them all on my own, but I am so grateful that she didn’t hesitate to offer to help, not even knowing the full extent of the requirements to fulfill this love assignment. She simply availed herself to assist however we needed.

In the time span of the 10 days that I’ve had these little ones in my possession, I’ve had some extraordinary things to be grateful about. The number one item is PAPER TOWEL (oh yes and hardwood floors)! The close number two is PATIENCE. My goodness …without the power duo…the double P, I would have signed myself into the mental health inpatient program. 

Then there are the non-negotiables like being grateful for snacks and junk food, to hold us over until the more balanced meals surfaced and YouTube and PBS kids. But the NUMBER ONE unconventional item to be grateful for is MELATONIN! In my most sincere prayer voice, “Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for doctors and scientists that discovered the means by which to provide a natural, nonviolent, and nontraumatic alternative to support peaceful bedtime routines. In Jesus Name, AMEN“! 

Okay, so this blog is turning into a writing celebration for Aunties…  

Well, I’ve already introduced you to the ultimate Auntie of the apartment building who provided care for one of the grandbabies for five days. Next on the list is the extraordinary Auntie, my sister, who never fails to step in when I need her most. I could spazz out about having incidents occur that required me to leave home urgently, like going to the nursing home, managing calls from the hospital, and additional calls from nurses and doctors about a pending surgery for my dad and making video pediatrician appointments and rush visits to Children’s Hospital to take care of freak accidents and issues that seemed to surface more often than not. Yup! I had more than enough of my fair share of drama, but it is what it is. I’d much rather share about how my extraordinary sister was there in a flash to take care of whichever child wasn’t experiencing the crisis at the moment. And let me add fuel to the fire. Did this sister of mine wash all my dishes and clean my stove while I spent the night at Children’s Hospital tending to grandchild number one?  Can you say that God loves me and cares for all matters that ail me because Lord knows I despise washing dishes!

                   

The next uh~mazing auntie on the list is actually my 11-year-old daughter. I believe she is one of my granddaughter’s favorite people and their absolute favorite aunt! Okay, let me be honest and say that she is one major reason why I am able to maintain my state of peace, especially with these granddaughters. She is a master peace regulator! She helps clean. She can pull together a sufficient kid-friendly meal including at least 2-3 of the appropriate food groups. And to be perfectly honest and transparent, having her as my consistent lil wing lady, she literally granted me moments to reset and cool down when the little ones pushed me beyond my limits. 

Simply put, the aunties kept me sane! I don’t subscribe to the superwoman ideology. I couldn’t journey along this road called life alone and guess what, I would never desire to. I could ruminate about all of the incidents that could have consumed me, but it’s much more comforting and motivating to meditate on all the reasons to remain grateful instead. 

My village is incomparable! Even if I didn’t see my besties (the other “aunties“) in person this week, they called and asked if I needed anything or talked me off the ledge. These ladies have been known to drop off meals, bring unexpected gifts, take a child or two off my hands for a few hours and plan the greatest me-time excursions. Then there is the tremendous list of maternal and paternal aunts (and great aunts to these kiddos) who shower us constantly with love and support. The list is endless and for that reason, I am grateful. 

Practicing gratitude is an essential self-care regimen for me. It helps me to regulate my emotions and remain encouraged and hopeful even in the most challenging situations. I would have never conquered past trials without adopting this mindset. Gratitude specifically fuels my spirit and soul and empowers me to thrive.