DAILY GRATITUDE FRIENDS AND FAMILY

 

For my friends and family 

who even though they’ve passed…

or there’s a distance between us of many miles…

I’m grateful I have stored within my mind

the memory of their smiles.

MEMORIES YET TO MAKE

 

May we be blessed to be forever grateful 

for all the wonderful memories we’ve made

every moment we’re awake…

and grateful in advance for all the wonderful memories

we have yet to make.

OLD ROCKING HORSE

 

Clearing out our attic, preparing for our move…as a matter of course

I noticed in a corner, under layers of dust…this old rocking horse.

A present from Deborah’s mom and dad to Ryan.

perhaps it was their goal…

to introduce their grandson…to the joys of rock and roll.

When Ryan grew to big to rock

when his interests turned to sports and games and cable

rather than get rid of that old rocking horse…

our attic became his stable.

And there he sat for years…gathering dust…wondering if and when

he will ever be remembered…and if he’ll ever rock again.

As Deborah lovingly cleaned and shined him up…

outside in the freshness of a morning breeze…

I wondered if the two of them…were sharing some memories.

 

Deborah informed him we’re taking him to North Carolina

where for entertainment he won’t lack…

Because our great-granddaughter is waiting there

to ride upon his back.

When she told him he will have a new home…

a new rider…a new space….

in that moment we saw

a smile on the old rocking horse’s face.

A present handed down from great-great grandparents

to their great-great granddaughter…

with a similar goal…

to introduce a new generation…to the joys of rock and roll.

DAILY GRATITUDE SUN AND MOON

 

When it came to love…

I am grateful for the sun and the moon…

for helping two people find…

the one

The one whose voce reminds them of the moonlight

and whose smile awakens memories of the sun.

BECAUSE WE LOVE HUMANITY

 

In a world as divided as ours…

Wouldn’t it be a plus…

If we learned all we can 

about others who seem different from us…

Because we love this diversity…and there is so much to know…

and because as humans…we love humanity so

 

TO BE REMEMBERED

 

When I look at the transitory nature of our existence

and think of how fast the hours, days and years go by…

then see how much hatred is in this world

I wish those of you who hate would stop you hate for a moment

and as yourself WHY?

Then follow this up with another question…as a fellow human member

When your life is over….How do you want to be remembered?

When you scream obscenities at another person…

show them they are not welcome here…tell them to go away….

If you should die tomorrow…are these the last words

you want someone to hear you say?

 

Instead…If you were to die tomorrow…wouldn’t it be great

If the last words people remember you by

are words of love…not hate?

Perhaps today is a good day, to consider your gifts to the world…

to ponder your legacy…

to think of the words and actions you use

before they become someone’s memory.

Do you want to be remembered for the wars you created

or for your impartiality…

for your greed…for you divisiveness

or for our generosity?

Do you want to be remembered for your hatred 

of those who are different than you……

which has caused you to build walls…

or for your goodwill your kindness…your acceptance

your compassion and love for all.

In your fleeting time upon this Earth…

It is something to think about…

How do you want to be remembered…

when the light of your life…burns out?

DAILY GRATITUDE MEMORIES

 

I am grateful for all the memories I’ve made…

all the memories made over all these many years….

From the ones that make me light up with laughter

To the ones that bring me to tears.