My wife, Peaches, and I like to do this thing where we write down lists of what we’re feeling grateful for, and then we share those lists with each other. We started this very enjoyable habit sometime in the fall of 2007. At first we would take about 10 minutes first thing in the morning before we got out of bed to share. Peaches would tell me one thing she felt grateful for, then I’d tell her something I’m grateful for, then her, then me, until it was time to get out to bed. It felt good to think these lists up together. But some mornings we’d be rushed and we wouldn’t have time to share. Over time it became more natural for us to write lists to share with each other.

I love the opportunity to glimpse into the heart of my loving wife and get a sense of what makes her happy. I enjoy reading what it is about Peaches’ life that inspires feelings of appreciation and gratitude. I also enjoy taking time out to look inside and acknowledge my own appreciation and gratitude and to record what’s going on in my life that inspires those feelings in me.

And I missed writing a list one day this week. I was just too busy one day at work. And, because I enjoy writing these lists so much, I’m now going to make up for the list I wasn’t able to write this week:

I’m grateful for my beautiful wife, I appreciate her for all she is, for all she does, for choosing to share life with me; I love our mutual devotion.

I’m grateful that we got to spend the day today with Peaches’ grandson, Andrew; he’s smart, funny and I enjoy his company; I enjoy his perspective on the world, and I enjoy sharing mine with him.

I’m grateful that Peaches’ health is clearly improving all the time. We walk together, 5 miles 4 to 6 days a week. We’ve been taking long walks frequently since late last January, and we’re both feeling dramatic improvements in our strength and stamina, and I’m just so grateful, in particular, that Peaches is feeling healthy and strong.

I’m grateful for the beautiful house where Peaches and I have made a home. I’m grateful that I get to share prosperity, in the form of this comfortable house, with my wife.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the full sensory experience of a visit to Portland’s Rose Gardens today; today is the second day of summer and the rose gardens were breath taking, bathed in sunshine, unimaginable varieties of color, and countless variations on the fragrance “Rose”.

I’m grateful that Andrew and I had a chance to take pictures side by side today.

I’m grateful that this afternoon turned out to be a beautiful warm sunny summer day.

I’m grateful that Peaches, Andrew and I had so much fun today!

I’m grateful that, for a little while today, we got to enjoy the company of a young woman artist named Tali who we met on the train on our way to the rose gardens.

I’m grateful that Peaches enjoys cooking so much; I’m grateful for the delicious wholesome meals she prepares; I’m grateful that everything Peaches cooks, she prepares with such love, reverance and imagination.

I’m grateful for the amazing desserts that Peaches makes.

I’m grateful for our beautiful city.

I’m grateful for my dream job, which I need to get up for in a few hours.

I’m grateful for that I get to fall asleep beside Peaches’ warm sleeping body every night.

I’m grateful that I get to wake up to her bright, beautiful smile every morning.

I’m grateful it’s time for bed.

XO,
K