Fifty Days of Gratitude: Days 17 & 18

There's enough gratitude here for two days worth - maybe even two years worth!

It was one year ago today that we finally arrived back in Washington. We moved into our first temporary rental in Gig Harbor, satisfied that we'd arrived well ahead of the grand-girl, who wasn't due until the very end of the month. Spoiler alert: her first birthday is Friday!

It's hard to explain the deep deep gratitude we have for being back home. Close to kids and friends and that grand girl. A year ago, though, we just knew we'd made it back. And we were grateful then, as we are now, for the many wonderful and beloved friends we'd left behind in Ohio. These things are true at the same time. How lucky is that?

This date also holds an anniversary in the life of our amazing daughter when she demonstrated more courage and resilience and character and chutzpa than most people are ever called upon to share. I woke up this morning thinking of this. Marveling that the little girl who carried her pink blanket while she sucked her thumb and never trusted the world or the people in it much could stand up to the evil of one sick person and a system where survivors have to prove that people like him should remain in jail. Which is where he has stayed because she relentlessly continues to make sure he stays there. I would be honored to hold a fraction of the boldness she carries.

Tonight my gratitude is for journeys in which we cannot always see the ending and the unexpected ways those fill our lives with what we might not have wanted, but what we turn into the strongest sinews of who we are.

Arriving at our first, temporary home.

Gig Harbor. 4.17.23