Blessings

During the past two weeks, as distressing as things have been, I can't help but giving thanks and feeling grateful and thought I'd make a partial list:

1. Guy - being there and supporting our family so wonderfully
2. Frank - taking care of a laundry list of chores, errands, phone calls, etc...
3. Johnny and Michael - for spending countless hours searching, sorting, scanning and compiling to create the most beautiful slide show for the reception.
4. John and Patti - for writing the beautiful and whimsical obituary and their eulogies - with different tones, yet perfectly capturing Dadaee and their relationships with him.
5. All those who attended the funeral (185) the cemetery (more than I expected) and the reception. I was able to connect with family and friends from all stages of my life. Just showing up was such an honor.
6. All the visits, phone calls, emails, text messages and letters our family received.
7. He didn't die right around the holidays.
8. He made it to his 90th birthday.
9. I lived closer these past several years and was able to see him more often and become closer to both grandparents.
10. Mom spending the past five years of her life caring for him. I know she doesn't regret one minute of it.
11. Mimi - ditto. She stated that it was "her joy" to care for him.
12. Amazingly caring and devoted caregivers. Seeing them day after day, they have a close relationship that I can't begin to understand.
13. I got to see him THE DAY BEFORE HE DIED - just by luck! :)

Wow. Even in the saddest times of our lives, if we can still find love, hope and gratitude, that is something.