I was so busy with Anja’s lurvefest, I forgot about Lightening’s Smiley Saturday.

OOPS !!!!!

So I thought I would do something similar, which is something I had been doing on a regular basis. I was reminded of how incredibly blessed I am when yesterday at church, we prayed for a teenage girl who will be receiving radiation therapy.

Things I am grateful for:

My home: The picture at the top of this page is a photo of our view. Our property is named Tir na NOg (Land of Forever Young) and is the mythological heaven. This work in progress is the realisation of a dream and is indeed our heaven on earth.

My husband: Never has anyone made me laugh so much. He’s weird, he wacky and he’s mine.

My children:

Teen Shamrock: My first born, my ‘experiement’ in child raising.  Having her was a miracle. I was later told I have a 5% chance of ever falling pregnant. I would look at her and think, ‘did it once, will do it again.’

Celtic Lad: Another miracle, Had he been delivered a mere ten minutes later, he would have been stillborn. He views the world so simply and purely, he reminds me to keep it simple.

Angel Shamrock: His life so brief, yet so intense. I had never known what unconditional  love felt like, until the first time I was able to hold him. So badly brain damaged, he could not communicate in the physical sense. He taught me strength of spirit, and reminded me that we are spiritual beings. He connected on a different level and in a way that has left its imprint deep within my soul.

Celtic Shamrock: When surprised with this miracle, I hoped for Celtic Lad’s sake, he would be a boy. We were grateful for whatever we had, and knew nothing could/would replace our Angel, but in my heart I knew a boy would be best. He was God’s promise to us, and has brought such joy. He reminds me how important it is to laugh.

WGO: Our ‘late’ baby or SURPRISE!!!! I really didn’t think I could do this again, but in the midst of a tiring day, her smile makes it all worthwhile. The innocent love I am surrounded with is incredible.

Church family: I am so blessed to have joined a church where the people are supportive and down to earth and accepting and flawed just like me !!!! Neat people who welcomed us and our family and a place where our uniqueness is celebrated, not prayed out of us. A place where there is just enough spirituality without being stupid, and a healthy balance of practicality.

Friends: I have arrived at a place where the people  I can call friends are really decent, lovely people. All from different backgrounds, beliefs and chocolate eating habits and I have been privileged enough to be allowed into their lives and shared personal and intimacies with them. And inundate their inboxes **snigger, snigger**

My sobriety: I think I take this for granted sometimes. I always think of the Creed song lyrics from their song Hide:

To what do I owe this gift my friend?
My life, my love, my soul?
I’ve been dancing with the
devil way too long
And it’s making me grow old

And I forget the living nightmare that was my life as an active alcoholic. It seems such a long time ago. And the passion that life holds, it’s rich tapestry of sensory, emotional and spiritual delights. I feel like I have been awakened from a horrible dream. Not that life is smooth sailing 100% of the time, but it’s a damn sight better than when I was drinking. So I give thanks to the God of my understanding that he gives my the strength, not to need or want a drink today.

So not quite a Smiley Saturday, but a celebratory one, nevertheless.