This morning as I write, I was allowing myself to be irritated by interruptions. Breakfast. Okay, I do like to eat. My grandchildren playing – it was noisy. My husband asking me a question about laundry or  the grocery list.

Hello, family! I’m trying to write.

Then I went to make my morning post to social media and saw my friend’s post about her husband who is dying from cancer. It sounds like it could come at any time, and my heart hurt so much for her and her family.

I also felt childish and unappreciative of the blessings I have in my own life right now.

My friend and her husband have been fighting this battle for a long time. Every since I met her at a book signing two years ago.  They are two of the most gracious, thankful people I have ever met. They live life to the fullest and appreciate ever moment.

She does not complain. She is positive and thankful. She has many friends, for who wouldn’t appreciate a friend like her? She has been an amazing example of strength and a poster for what love looks like.

This morning I stop and ask any who would to say a prayer for my friends and her family as they face losing a husband, a father, a grandfather…

My family has been where they are, and I know how difficult this time is.

I also took a moment to apologize to my family for being irritated and impatient with them. I love them so very much. I sat and listened to my three-year-old autistic grandson playing with his ball and laughing, my seventeen-year-old daughter talking wit her dad at the breakfast table, and my five-month-old granddaughter testing out her newfound sounds as she tested the octaves of her vocal cords.

I said my own prayer of thanks this morning for my many blessings surrounding me and asked God to help me remember them and keep them in the forefront of my mind always.

I pray for my friend and her family this morning that God will give them peace and surround them in his hedge of protection through this hurtful time of loss.

My grandmother always said God never gives us more than we can handle, but sometimes we wish he didn’t think we were so strong.

I send so much love to my friend, Anna. Hug your loved ones and tell them how much they mean to you everyday, for we are not promised tomorrow.