Receiving Blessings in the Grey
It is a grey and dismal day. The sun did not peek through my bedroom curtains because it did not manage to escape through the thick clouds. I had awoken earlier but managed to go back to sleep, even though I had sipped at my morning cup of tea. My goodness! It was now past eight o’clock! What decadence! I sleepily made my way down the stairs and made a beeline towards the kitchen.
Before I poured myself another cup of tea, I filled up the cats’ bowl. I unlocked the back door. Sitting patiently on one of the benches there, were two of my outdoor cats, Tema and Angelique! A huge smile spread across my face. It was almost, but not quite the way it used to be before Peter passed away. In those days they would all come. I would fill up a huge bowl from which they all ate. Peter and I would sit at one of the benches watching them. They would come rub against us and purr. I think they felt the excruciating pain of his loss and they did not come in crowds again. This morning was a new occurrence. After four years and eleven months they are coming back in groups, even though the group is only two. Perhaps they will all soon come and introduce me to their babies, as they once did.
Tiny pink blossoms are appearing on the trees on the island in the middle of the avenue. Soon the dogwood tree will display its beautiful waxy flowers as well. The rose bush hugging my kitchen window will get a big smile from me when her roses appear. It was my Mother’s Day gift from Kelly when he was a teenager. He rode his bike to the nursery and bought it for me. These oh so many years later, I still picture him cycling back with the bush tied behind him. The bush rises up to our bedroom window now. It had to be trimmed recently. How the years fly.
On this grey day, I smile contentedly. In my life I suffered much pain, but nothing to compare to the blessings I received; the love of my husband, the children and my beloved grandson. My family and the friendships that I cherish. Yes, I have been truly blessed.
The fridge hums. I look out the window and sip my tea. A bird flits by. Another perches on top of the fence by the gate. A slight breeze rustles the branches. The old clock tick tocks away. I sit here contemplating the blessings of my life. Yes, life has been good.