Deo Gratias

 "If the only prayer you ever say in your life is thank you, it will be enough." - Meister Eckhart

Colleen, from her inspiring blog Thoughts on Grace, hosts this wonderful meme each Wednesday. She says, "Deo Gratias is Latin for Thanks be to God. Remembering to give thanks for all of our blessings, big & small, helps us to find God in our everyday moments and gives us an attitude of gratitude!"

Each week, I join Colleen in remembering & sharing the many blessings in my life. This is such a great exercise for me, helping me to focus on the good that truly is happening in my life, no matter how many trials & stresses I may have.

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In honor of HelpfulGrammy's birthday today (don't worry, I won't mention her age!), I'd like to share my thanks for this wonderful woman in my life!

1) Growing up, many of my friends would constantly complain about how mean their mothers had been. While HelpfulGrammy & I had our fair share of disagreements, I never felt like I had to complain like others did. Deo Gratias!

2) Mom was always home for us. Even as we got older & she went back to work, she made sure that her working hours took place while we were in school & that she would be there when we got home. Deo Gratias!   

3) She's there when someone needs her support. Several years ago, a longtime friend of hers was going through a major health crisis. HelpfulGrammy was there to take her to appointments, make meals for her, & just be there when needed. Deo Gratias! 

4) HelpfulGrammy is great at laughing! There are many instances when she, my sister, & I would be reduced to tears from laughing so hard. There are still times when this happens & usually it's something that's not really that funny, but struck us that way! Deo Gratias! 

5) I try not to take advantage of HelpfulGrammy when it comes to babysitting. I do know & feel quite confident that if & when I really need her, she'll be there for us. Deo Gratias!

Happy Birthday to the Greatest Mom! 

Thanks for being such a wonderful inspiration to those around you!

Love you HelpfulGrammy!

New Name

After HandyGramps & I came up w/ his name for my blog, I started thinking that my mom should have a name too. So, w/out further ado...my mother will now be known as:

HelpfulGrammy

Why HelpfulGrammy, you ask? My mother is the type of person who will go out of her way if necessary to help when you need her.

She has a very dear, longtime friend who went through breast cancer & a double mastectomy several years ago. HelpfulGrammy was there to take her to appts., shopping, etc. when her husband couldn't.

A little over a month ago, she loaned her car to my neighbor for a week (& they'd never met before.)

She is in charge of the group at her church that provides the luncheons after funerals. This is such a wonderful ministry for those families who lose a dear one & she does it w/ complete compassion.

Numerous times I've called for her assistance...babysitting the munchkins, venting about a rough day, etc. She was here at home w/ me when I was on bedrest w/ my last two pregnancies.

These are just a few of the many things she does for others. HelpfulGrammy is probably not a strong enough name for her, but I don't think Blogger would let me have enough space to give her a 100% fitting name! Love you, HelpfulGrammy!