The Gratitude Project: 365 Days of Gratitude

I have been thinking a lot about gratitude since this last General Conference. Our prophet, Thomas S. Monson gave an inspiring message about the virtue of gratitude. One part of his message has really stuck with me. He shared that:

“feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

He also said:
"Do material possessions make us happy and grateful? Perhaps momentarily. However, those things which provide deep and lasting happiness and gratitude are the things which money cannot buy: our families, the gospel, good friends, our health, our abilities, the love we receive from those around us. Unfortunately, these are some of the things we allow ourselves to take for granted."

I testify that Thomas Monson is our prophet today. So, in an effort to follow his teachings in my own way, I would like to use my blog as a place to express gratitude for one full year. I am calling it "The Gratitude Project." I am committing to express gratitude for one thing (big or small) every day. If I am unable to get to my computer, I will write it on a piece of paper, then transfer it to the blog at the next soonest date. Any of you are welcome to join me in this project. If only for one day, I think it would be a worthwhile effort.

TODAY will be DAY #1

Growing up, my family had the tradition at Thanksgiving to write a note to one person we were especially grateful for that year. I have kept this tradition and have always enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on who I am grateful for in my life. This year the list could be a very long one. So, despite the fact that I could thank everyone, if I must choose one person it would be Eryn's Nurse Practitioner, Ann Marie Hannon (I have written her a personal note as well).

Many of you know the difficulties Eryn had at the end of last year, going on into the spring. She had multiple health problems occurring at the same time, including (just to name a few): bloody stool, urine retention, wetting issues, kidney disease and painful urination (for a long time). We had been seeing a doctor in the Pediatric Urology office at Primary Children's off and on for a year prior. He was very good, but the minute we were handed over to the Nurse Practitioner, Eryn's care completely changed. Ann Marie gave professional care with KINDNESS and COMPASSION. She reached out to Eryn in very personal ways. She came in early so Eryn didn't have to miss school and stayed through lunch hours and after hours trying to work with her on learning how to cath herself. She listened to me cry more than once. She also sent us to the emergency room and to another specialist at very critical times which helped us discover the two other layers to her deteriorating health. And ultimately she helped the other doctors come to the realization that Eryn needed surgery. That surgery to create the catheter "port" in her belly has made ALL the difference. Thank you Ann Marie! You are a hero for our family.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who read my blog. Thank you for taking the time to read and to keep up. It means a lot to me.