GRATITUDE

Well, I'm having one of those moments.

I was driving home from work today in typical LA traffic and I was marveling at how seemingly one minute things are happy and serene and then the next - disruption. Like the fire-bombing of Dresden in WWII. But everything happens for a reason - maybe "disruption" was so that we can step back and take a look at everything.

I got home, turned on the TV and it is covering the story of the death of Dana Reeve - who was diagnosed with lung cancer in November, was seemingly getting better... then she passed. I heard the story earlier today - but it suddenly hit me what her loss means for her 13-year-old son, and how much she meant to so many - including her late husband. Both of them - so brave, so courageous and appreciative of every precious moment - of all that they HAD instead of what they'd lost. I suddenly felt embarrassed that I was even feeling sorry for myself at all. What have I got to feel sorry about? I have my health - my family and friends who love me - a place to live - plenty of material luxuries (one being used to type this). I stopped. Realizing what I NEEDED to do... to concentrate on ALL that I do have and appreciate it - be grateful, even in the face of what seems like loss. Someone once told me that "the universe does not recognize loss." I believe that. Not to say that we aren't entitled to miss people or feel sad because they are not in our lives for whatever reason, but when you start to look around and take stock of all that you do have... right down to the two cats and the monstrous electric bill... somehow the "loss" doesn't seem so great... just a passing in what are so many passings in a lifetime.

Yeah - this is a sappy post - but I really mean it all. When I see people who try to stay as positive and graceful as possible - even in the face of the fiercest adversity... I am filled with admiration and inspiration. And for these people... I am grateful.