It is that time of the year again….the last week of August. How did it get here so fast? The last week of August is always a very tough time for me. It is the week that contains my wedding anniversary (Aug 27th) and Darin’s death date (Aug 31st). This year, it also contains the date that my daughter is moving to her dorm (Aug 29th).
I often wish I could sleep through August as the month stirs up so many emotions…..loss, fear and sadness are just a few. I know my life is good and I feel blessed for many things but I also can not help but feel like a part of my life has been robbed from me.
I feel robbed that he is not here to celebrate our 21st anniversary with me.
I feel robbed that he is not here to help us move our daughter into her dorm.
I feel robbed that he is not here to witness how incredible our kids are. They are so strong and I see him in them everyday.
Most of all, I feel robbed that my soulmate is gone and he is not here to plan our future, to follow our dreams.
I decided to take control of the week instead of letting the week control me. I received a surprise package in the mail today. It contained goodies that truly made my heart sing. This gesture of kindness kicked me in the ass and reminded me how lucky and blessed I am. Despite the sadness, today I am GRATEFUL. Grateful for my amazing family, grateful for my amazing friends.
I decided that I am going to pay it forward this week. Everyday I am going to post something that makes my soul sing, makes me smile, makes me grateful.
Today I start by sharing this quote that affected me tremendously the first time I saw it. The quote is a reminder for me to keep living my life.
MY CHALLENGE TO YOU – Join me on this week long project. Come back everyday and share with me what makes your soul sing, what makes you grateful, what makes you happy that day. (I will randomy draw at the end of the week for a few special prizes).
So tell me ——- What are you grateful for today?
Ann
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Jenna Em says
Thinking of you and sending extra good vibes your way this month!
Today I am grateful to have 5 wonderful children and a fantastic spouse…and for us all to be together and in good health.
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Ann says
Together and healthy is a great thing to be grateful for xo.
Aeryn Lynne says
*HUGS* Ann! That is such a beautiful quote, love it. Will be thinking of you all week, and this series is awesome! <3 Today, what has made me smile and even giggle a bit, is watching one of the neighbour's kids, (3 yo little boy,) traipse around his parents front yard in a tshirt and diaper, soaking wet and having a blast.
Aeryn Lynne recently posted…Find Melissa McCarthy Seven7 Exclusively at Penningtons in Canada!
Ann says
I am so glad that we are friends and I look forward to seeing you again soon.
Lyne Proulx says
I am grateful for many things, but this day belongs to you! I am grateful to have meet you and have you part of the BCC Committee. I am so grateful to have you as a friend. You are such an inspiration to all of us!
Ann says
Thank you so much Lyne for inviting me to help with BConnected. Your friendship means a lot to me xo
Jessica says
Thinking of you today Ann and sending you much love and hugs! I am forever grateful everyday for the 4 beautiful children I have and the amazing spouse who make each and every one of my days full. xoxo
Jessica recently posted…Life and My Non-Pursuit of Happiness
Alyssa says
Thinking of you this week Ann! I am grateful for many things in life, one of them is having had the opportunity to know someone as great as you! I second Lyne, you are an inspiration to us all!
Ann says
Thank you so much. Your support means a lot to me!
Angie@Echoes of Laughter says
Thinking of you Ann throughout this difficult week! Sending strength and hugs! It is always helpful to remember the things we are grateful for when times are tough! Your husband would want you to be happy and live your days to honour his memory….easier said than done I am sure! Angie xoxox
Ann says
Thank you for your love and support. xo
Shannon says
I love you and your courageous outlook. Big hugs to you myfriend. <3
Ann says
Thank you for being such a wonderful friend.
Leanne says
My second child is joining his older sister at University this year at the end of this month. My soul is singing because they both can be there, safe and preparing for the wonderful futures I know are ahead for both of them. 🙂 Hugs to you this month….
Leanne recently posted…Me neither…
Ann says
Thank you and hugs to you as well.
Matthew Tully says
Thanks for allowing us to be part of your life Ann!
Ann says
I look forward to meeting you in real life soon!
Sarah De Diego says
I am so sorry for your loss Ann. Your husband will always be remembered as he is reflected in the eyes of your children. Wishing you everything that you want in your life moving forward.
Besos Sarah.
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Elizabeth L says
I love that you were so inspired to post. Seriously you are such an inspiration, you are so strong and such a lovely person, you deserve good things in your life.
I am grateful for my two little girls who add so much light to my life and can make me laugh no matter how badly things seem to be going.
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Kerrie says
This post made my heart sing! I love that you are so able to find the positive in life and live every moment to the fullest. You are so amazing and while this time is hard for you are able to find the light. I can’t wait to come back and read the rest of the series.
For me I am so grateful for my beautiful boys, my parents, my wonderful friends, my health and my job. I feel very lucky indeed. A good reminder on the days when it’s hard to see that.
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Sandy says
Awww Ann…big hugs my friend. Such a tough month for you. Darin would be very proud of you and how you have carried on. He would be proud of the mother you are to your kids. I think this is an excellent idea – talking about what makes us all grateful. I’m grateful for my wonderful family and friends, because without them, I’d have nothing to be grateful for. You are one of those friends xo
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Kim McPhail Lalonde says
I am grateful for my family and friends. I am grateful that there is a God who watches over me and my loved ones. I am reminded often of the “Footprints in the Sand” poem and read it when I feel the walls closing in. Even when I feel most alone, I am not.
Ann says
You are never alone Kim. xo
Pam Dillon says
Sending big hugs and positive thoughts your way. You are doing wonderful, positive, important things in life, Ann. Hope you realize how admired and valued you are. I’m very grateful to have my kids around right now (the youngest is heading off soon) and to be here to enjoy this day.
Ann says
Thanks Pam. Where is your youngest heading off to?
Mary says
This is amazing Ann. What a great way to work through grief that could be so overwhelming. I’m grateful today for health – a clear biopsy result just relayed. And for my daughters recent hiring in a great job. I guess that’s two – but you deserve LOTS of examples! xo
Jackie says
I’m so sorry it’s that time of year again and although we’re not neighbors not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and the kids and all of yours and Darrin family..
I’m grateful for the friends I have and continue to make..xo
Ann says
Miss you xo
Peady @ Tempered with Kindness says
Oh, Ann! This is a wonderful way to honour the past, your feelings, and loss while simultaneously looking toward the future and helping everyone to appreciate the positives. I love this so much!
Today I am grateful for excellent online friends, a live-in IT department, a back online blog, and a whole week with my mother!
I’m with Mary, you deserve lots of examples!
Peady @ Tempered with Kindness recently posted…Everyone Needs To Know
Peggy says
What a wonderful post. Ann, I’m so grateful for you. Your support over the last week (despite the fact that this is such a difficult time of year for you) has helped me more than I can ever express. Thank you so much.
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Ann says
Hugs to you. Please know I am here anytime you need to talk.
Margarita Ibbott (@DownshiftingPRO) says
I am grateful for blogging friends that know and understand what it is to be a blogger. I am grateful that we have met and that we are getting to know each other more and more. Big hugs my friend. Big hugs.
Margarita Ibbott (@DownshiftingPRO) recently posted…Crock Pot Recipes, Pre-packaged Spices and my quest to be a better cook– #BackToRoutines #BTS
Ann says
Big hugs to you and I hope to see you again soon.
Fariha says
Hugs to you my friend. You are a strong woman and an inspiration to many.
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Ann says
Thank you so much for your kind words. xo
Jennifer says
Ann,
Your strength & determination to turn heartache into gratitude is incredible & inspirational. You have a huge group of people behind you…feel that love through this all. Beautiful post
Ann says
Thank you so much for reading my post! I appreciate it.