ON A DAY when a small four year old warrior lost his battle
against cancer, I am grateful.
On a day when there is usually a good chance I will let a
few roars at the boys and issue the usual empty threats, today I will give hugs
and smiles.
Today I will let them jump in every single puddle they meet
on the way back to the car.
Today I will let whoever has the tap on full blast in the
bathroom, enjoy the hand washing without stressing about the mess.
Today I won’t care about dirty faces and hands and how it
will get rubbed onto school uniforms.
Today I am grateful that the seven year old went swimming this
morning and his older brother will be playing football after school.
Today I am grateful that my smallest boy opted to eat only
his Yorkshire pudding at dinner and two small pieces of chicken.
Today I am grateful that my house was too warm and I needed
to turn down the heat.
I am grateful that my Junior Infant still wants me to walk
him into his classroom each morning.
Today I am grateful for the large pile of toy cars and
wooden building blocks that litter the floor.
I am grateful for the rain.
For the roast chicken dinner in my belly.
Today I am grateful for my hale and hearty boys who run and
shout and fight. Who hug and kiss and
thump and punch. I am grateful for their
noise, for the constant demands. I am
grateful for their washing, for their laughter.
Today I am grateful for life.
