I recently went to a dark place in my life for the first time. It came about because of pain and the drugs I was taking to rid myself of it. The drugs really didn’t help, and for the first time in my life I lost my belief that a silver lining was just around the corner.
The darkness in my life only lasted two weeks before a loving granddaughter and her wife helped pick me up and put me on a new path. While not everything is perfect now, I’m back to believing in silver linings and managing to both conquer and live with some pain.
And I awoke this morning with a heart full of thankfulness for the 83 years of life that I lived pain free — and that I didn’t waste those days.
I’m also thankful this morning for my morning coffee, the overcast day outside my window, a visiting friend, the soft bed I slept in last night, children who have helped and encouraged me, my faithful canine companion Scamp, the hummingbird at my bird feeder outside my window, and so very much more.
It feels good to start the day with thankfulness – and my cream laced coffee. It now tops my daily to-do list.
Pat Bean is a retired award-winning journalist who lives in Tucson with her canine companion, Scamp. She is an avid reader, the author of Travels with Maggie available on Amazon (Free on Kindle Unlimited), is always searching for life’s silver lining, and these days learning to age gracefully.
Pat Bean's blog 
It pains me to hear of ur problems, Pat, but cheers me that your kids and grands did their thing. Pain can quickly drive anyone to bad places and I know your village will always be there to help.
Thanks Charlie. I am doing much better. I have a physical therapist coming today. You and Carla are always in my thoughts
It’s every morning, rain or shine, when I look out of the windows that I’m grateful for another day.
I’m so glad you follow me Pit. You inspire me.
I really like your blog, Pat, and I’m happy that I can inspire you. 😊😊😊
Thank you Pat, for uplifting words. I believe we all go through dark days and find it hard to see a silver lining. I’ll remember your words anyhow important family is – always.
Thanks Lucy. I’m so glad I’m back to looking for silver linings when things don’t turn out as you want.
I think of you often & wonder how you are doing. Pain is not easy.
Thanks.
a beautiful post about gratitude and the powerful effect it brings us. So glad you are in this place, Pat, and hoping your pain will disappear over time. Atomic pain – a terrific adjective that conveys so much. xo
thankfully it’s become mostly just aggravating pain Mary Jo. Thanks for your kind words.
Thankfulness and the little things in life 🙂 I also believe in taking things in stride (tomorrow will be a fresh start). Glad to hear you are doing better and have love and support to help you along the way – Take Care
And aren’t we blessed that fresh starts arrive every morning. Thanks for the kind words.
Thank you for reminding us to find the things we can be grateful for even during the dark times.
We just need to keep moving forward Mary. Thank you for commenting.
Sending you healing thoughts. Take care!
i caught the thoughts as they blew past on the wind. Thanks Lyme.