01/05/98

Contagious Gratitude

In response to Contagious Gratitude

Counting our blessings puts the start of a new year in perspective. Many SNET Internet readers wrote with great passion about the things they are thankful for.

• Twenty-three years ago I, like your husband, had a near fatal illness which paralyzed me to the point that I was on a respirator for a couple of weeks. I fully recovered and am now grateful for every day I have with my family and friends. -- Appreciate Every Day

• God, the Internet and Switchboard reunited me with my sister after a 30 year separation. After just six months of blissful reunion she was called home to Heaven. Today and the people in your life are what really matters. Treasure these things. -- Life is a Mystery

• Some members of our family decided to donate to worthy causes the amount they would have spent on Christmas presents. It felt good to go out and shop for those who have little. When we sat down to eat our turkey this year, it felt marvelous to know that somewhere someone was eating our other turkey and maybe even enjoying it more than we did. -- Giving to Others

• I have so many things to be thankful for this year: contentment with my life, my first grandchild, employment, the warmth of a wood stove with cats stretched out in front of it, and the strength to see my closest friend and family through extremely difficult times. This year I plan to enjoy the things we take for granted in our busy lives. -- Devoted Friend

• I'm grateful for the wonder of childhood, the return of spring bulbs, my ceaselessly unselfish parents and wonderful conversation with my girlfriends. -- A Time of Renewal

• I'm thankful for my family of 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 1 greatgrandchild, faith, friends, good health (for an oldie), a clear mind, sweet memories of a 52 year marriage, and still being able to drive my car! -- Truly Blessed

• I was feeling a little low until I began writing and realized I have so much to be thankful for: a daughter who made me grow up, a supportive husband who got me through an undergraduate degree and two masters degrees in five years, my dogs who put their heads in my lap when I've had a particularly hard day, being lured into the unknown without fear of goofing up, and learning from my mistakes. Thanks, and keep up your column, please! -- The Sun at My Back

• I am grateful for your commentary in the things which are truly important. -- Sincerely Grateful

Thanks so much, everyone. Happy New Year and keep those letters coming!

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.