I am Grateful

I have been cleaning my apartment the last few hours and I came across a note that my mom wrote. In a fight right before she left Florida to go back to New Jersey, she gave me this note. It means a lot when I read it, much like how my suicide letter from nearly four years ago makes me feel grateful for my life.

My mom's note says the following:

"Gratitude List 3-6-13

I am grateful for DCC buying my ticket so I can be close to Chelsea.
I am grateful to God for guiding Chelsea to the ER.
I am eternally grateful that Chelsea is alive.
I am grateful for the people trying to help Chelsea.
I am grateful Chelsea is speaking.
I am grateful for all the support I have here in FL and in NJ.
I am grateful for Susan helping me to get to the airport so early in the morning.
I am grateful Andrea was so understanding.
I am grateful for Megan being there everytime I call.
I am grateful Andy is safe and protected right now!
I am grateful for Paul and all the people who have reached out.
I am grateful for all the prayers being said and answered.
I am grateful for my Bible...
I am grateful for all these wonderful blessings,
In Jesus's name. Amen."

The one thing that I've learned over and over is that we need to be grateful for everything God has given us, even in the most difficult times. My mom wrote this when I was in the hospital after coming out of a catatonic episode. I did not eat, sleep or talk for 3 days and my mom later told me that she thought I died.

Sometimes the best reminders come when we're cleaning and happen upon something that reminds us of how lucky we are to be here.