I'm Grateful

Often I see all the problems with this place – winter that lasts forever, governments that don’t respond to the real needs and concerns of people, rude service in stores, pot holes, etc. But lately I’ve had a number of experiences that reminded me that I’m lucky to live here, in this country, this province, this city, this neighbourhood.

When I turned sixty-five this year, I received Old Age Security, which helps to supplement my CPP and work pension (neither of which is huge), so that I can live a little more comfortably. Provincial and interprovincial bus lines give discounts for people from the age of 60 on. I got notice of the provincial drug prescription plan, which keeps fees affordable (though at this point, luckily, I don’t have regular medications to take).

I had to do some paperwork for my aging parents and found helpful people in the community where they live. Also good on-line resources provincially and federally.

I got a mobile phone for the first time last fall and have found it extremely useful, particularly when out of town. Recently I was able to book home care for a sick family member from a distance. Also was able to extend a book renewal at the library for a few days so that I could pick it up when I got home from a trip.

I’m grateful for friends, neighbours, and family, both on social media and face to face – we share joys and sorrows, support and sustain each other.

Throughout my life I’ve had opportunities to do interesting and useful work, meet new people, learn, travel.

If this all sounds a bit too Pollyanna-ish (the book Pollyanna is actually not bad), it’s not meant to be that. I just wanted to remind myself and others that joy comes from appreciation of the small miracles that happen every day or week. Even in the midst of gloom, if you look for it, you may find a crocus just popping through the snow, see the pelicans arrive, or notice a lone butterfly – a harbinger of spring.