This week, I happened upon a Gratitude Journal from 2016. A time capsule. I flipped through it enjoying the memories, amused by a few subjects of gratitude that have slipped off my radar and the serial listings that are still with me. My initial entry was on New Year’s Day 2016, and I remained spottily faithful through the end of April. Well, I skipped February completely, but it looks like I was off doing stuff for which I’d be grateful later. 

Consistent Mentions

• Date night
• Kids’ happiness
• Yoga
• Coffee in bed
• Downton Abbey
• Healthy eating
• Flexibility of my schedule
• Travel
• Good night’s rest
• Sunshine
• My patio
• Bella (One of my Granddogs) 

Surprises

Recently, I told someone we had been getting together with the same group of friends, for a game night, faithfully, once a month, for four years! Um, I was grateful for this in 2016! That’s at least seven years.

I’m surprised at how many notations are about things I just don’t think about anymore: Jamaica, fairies, and lots of hippie spiritual stuff.

I was writing much more back then. Submitting query letters, meeting with authors and beta readers, and pitching magazine articles. I was receiving rejection letters for which I was trying to be grateful. I was super engaged and excited.

Sad Realities

Gratitudes number two and three on January 1, 2016, were, “Special Thanksmas with all the kids,” followed by “Kids enjoy time together.” 

Those entries made me sad. I can’t remember the last time all seven of our kids were under the same roof. Or the last Thanksmas we spent together. 

And there was a gratitude for the girl’s trip to Denver Daughter’s house with my two stepdaughters and my daughter-in-law that I had hoped would be an annual event that turned out to be a one-hit wonder. It was on this trip that we went to an animal shelter, all the girls encouraging Denver Daughter as she met Bella whom she later adopted. 

Somehow gathering together as a complete group has become increasingly complicated. Covid seemed to be the final nail. I just miss those times. 

My great nieces and nephews were mentioned multiple times. We’d had a sleepover and I was celebrating my relationship with them. They are not little kids anymore. Soon, I’ll be attending their graduations and weddings.

My Favorite Entry

Today, I’m grateful for finding this journal. I’m grateful for an opportunity to be reminded of things for which I was grateful seven years ago, capturing the tenor of the time. I’m grateful for the opportunity to feel the prick of melancholy over things I miss and the reminder of how much they truly mean to me. And I’m grateful to pick up anew on a fresh page with a fresh start, noting gratitude.