Reflecting on blessings

Today was a rough day. Just one of those days that get you down...kids were really hard, had a bad headache, laundry list of to do's that weren't going to get done, etc. After the kids were settled in to bed, I fell asleep and had a dream about my Down syndrome aunt that really put my "problems" in perspective. I don't remember the specifics but I woke up just hurting for her. Her health is very poor and her doctors recently gave her 6-9 months to live. I've watched my mom care for her, her entire life, and since her health has declined so rapidly in the past year, this prognosis is bittersweet. My sweet aunt will no longer suffer, and she'll be reunited with so many loved ones that are definitely anxious to have her home. But watching my mom mourn for the loss of her baby sister, who has been more like a child than sibling, has been heartbreaking. My Aunt Jeannie's life has never been easy, and the hardship of living with a disability has extended to her caregivers. Witnessing my Mom's constant worry for her, I can only imagine what is was like for my grandmother(who passed away years ago). Anyhow, the point of this story is, life is really, extremely hard for so many people. When I have a hard day I am not alone, and in perspective my hard days are simply not that bad. My Aunt Jeannie's life has shed light into an entirely different level of "hard". It's important for me to meditate on my life; the incredible health both my children enjoy, my supportive and gentle husband, and the many comforts we have been blessed with. I may have a bad day here and there but I have been given so much, I simply am not entitled to excuses. I will wake up tomorrow and achieve my goals and dreams. I will be grateful for all I've been given and in gratitude I will make the very most of the life I've been given. Good things are going to happen...