Where do I begin?  My morning ritual usually begins by me expressing my gratitude.  I sit in my bed before my feet hit the floor and say what I am thankful for.  For me, this starts my day off in a positive way and is hopefully the trajectory for the rest of the day.  The past 3 days have been the same.  I am still in awe from Friday night.

Friday night was my daughters Sweet 16 party.  We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect evening.  The room was filled with so much love from our family and friends.  I felt it all night long.  There was not one person in that beautiful room I did not want there.  Everyone there holds a special memory in my heart.  Everyone.  I am truly blessed.

We drank, ate and danced all night.  Noelle shined brighter than the brightest star in the sky.  We had family and friends travel from near and far to be there.  Everyone looked amazing and came to celebrate Noelle.  I will never forget the feeling of pure joy I had while standing on the stage looking out into the room.  Time passed way too quickly and before I knew it, it was all over.  Over, but never forgotten.

On Saturday the texts and phone calls came pouring in.  Reliving the evening again and again was so special.  We spent the day recovering and talking about all the amazing people that we were so lucky to have celebrating with us.  Not one person in my family said they were sad it was over, only how happy they were it happened.  It is working!  They are listening!  All my talk of gratitude and mindfulness is sinking in!

Yesterday was Mother’s Day.  Another chance to be grateful.  Thankful I have an amazing mother that is still with me and a wonderful family of my own.  I know they call Mother’s Day and other days like it “Hallmark Holidays”, but I for one love them!  They give us a special opportunity to tell our loved ones how we feel.  While I express gratitude every day it isn’t always told to the people I mean it for.  I promised myself yesterday to be more expressive to those I love.

So, today I am grateful for so many things.  Thank you to all of you who are reading this and supporting me through my journey.  Your endless love and support does not go unnoticed.  Thank you always to God who has blessed me with so many things and I am truly grateful for them every day.  For my family and friends, you mean the world to me and I love you!