It could be worse

As I was leaving work and walking to my car, I was slightly grumbling that it was cold, windy and due to rain. I hate rain. I live in San Diego for a reason…I love me some sunshine. I looked up at the sky. There were big dark ugly clouds….but there was also a bit of blue sky and sun shining through the pretty white fluffy clouds. It was beautiful.
I realized that things could always be worse. I could live in Japan where everything I know is washed away. I could live where it snows in the winter and I have to wear layers upon layers to keep from freezing my booty off.

It made me think about all the things in my life that “could be worse”. I suppose I was due for a lesson in gratitude today

Being a single Mom to two little kiddos is hard. A lot of the time, my house is a mess, I have more laundry than I know what to do with, dishes piled next to the sink, floors to vacuum. But thankfully, we have those dirty dishes because we can afford food. And my kids have nice clean clothes, shoes and entirely too many toys. Some people do not have those luxuries right now or ever

Some days I feel so guilty because I work full time and don’t seem to get enough quality time with my kids. But, I am fortunate enough to have a job. A job I love. Like most folks these days, I am griping about forking out $80 a week to fill up the gas tank in my car… but we have a car. One that (knock on wood) is reliable and gets us where we need to go.

My daughter was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, which is a high functioning form of autism. As crazy as she makes me sometimes and as hard as the meltdowns are on certain days… it could be worse…much worse. She is alive, healthy, beautiful and as smart as can be.

On days when the kids are arguing nonstop, won’t cooperate or listen AT ALL, are constantly screaming and I feel like I just can’t do it anymore …my sanity and patience are hanging by a teensy thread...I need to remember that I am not alone. My kids have a wonderful Dad that loves them and is very involved in their life. And unlike most divorced couples, we get along pretty darn good. I didn’t have to run away from an abusive marriage and start from scratch all by myself. I wonderful friends that make me laugh and support me without question. I have family that are here for me, love me and ALWAYS have my back. Plenty of people are completely alone…with nobody to lift them up when they need it.

I am truly blessed.

So bring on the rain, I can handle it.