Gratitude and Grace

This post is to say thank you. As humans, we don't say thank you enough, we're always focussed on the negative things and rarely express gratitude or even acknowledge the actions of others. We are self-absorbed beings, concerned only with our own lives and those closest to us, rarely thinking of others and always looking for gain. I've needed a lot of help recently, with one thing and enough, and never seem to think I've expressed sufficient gratitude  often using the word 'sorry' instead of 'thanks.' So here's to all of you out there who've helped me out in any way.


To my wonderful Jacob, my rock and my strength. Words cannot express how grateful I am to you for all you've done for me; the sacrifices you've made, the  hours and hours of caring and cuddles. Thank you for letting me try it myself before you step in to help, thank you for holding me whilst I cry. Thank you for  staying beside me for a full 56 hours when I was in hospital, thank you for making my dinner. Thank you for giggles and fun, thank you for walks in the park, thank you for holding me up so I could dance at my friend's party. Thank you for mopping up after me when I've been very ill, thank you for comforting me in the middle of the night. Thank you for everything you do and more, thank you for putting up with me when I'm over-tired, grumpy or confused, thank you for loving me no matter what, and you know the same goes for you.

To my mum and dad, thank you for always being willing to support me, even if you don't understand or agree with me at times. Thank you for loving me even when I've hurt you, though I never ever meant to offend. Thank you for raising me the woman that I am, and thank you for teaching me well. Thank you for introducing me to my faith in Jesus, and thank you for praying for me. I love you very much, never forget that, and I'm really grateful for everything you've done for me. 

To my siblings; thank you for loving me and looking after me. Thank you for showing me the ropes of life and always being there when I need you. Thank you for giving me lovely nephews and nieces; I adore them and will endeavour to be the best possible auntie to them, even whilst I'm sick. Thank you for having me to stay for weekends, taking me places, and being genuinely awesome people. I love you lots.

To my honorary siblings; you know who you are, thank you for being caring, kind, reliable and local. You are always there offering emotional and practical support when I need it. Thank you for giving me lifts, hugs, gifts and somewhere to stay, your selflessness means so much to me and I will do my best to repay you when I can.

To my close friends; Abi, Kim, Millie, Eluned and Debbi thank you for all your care and support, thank you for making me laugh. Thank you for being crazy and weird and awesome, thank you for making me smile when I'm down, and always being around for a chat and a hug. You've made me see that not all humans my age are idiotic, and that I am, in fact, a reasonably tolerable human being. Still, thank you for putting up with me- that's truly admirable. I hope and pray that we will stay in touch for a long time; I couldn't survive without youuuuu!! 

To my fellow poorly people and internet friends; where would I be without you eh? Thank you for your tips, advice, and long chats, they always leave me feeling understood and reassured. Thank you for stopping me going completely insane, and thank you for being my friends. 

To everybody else, those who I've forgotten or overlooked, I'm sorry. There are many good, kind hearted people out there, and if I were to name every one of you we'd be here all night and into 2014. Still, Thank you, and and may you be encouraged. You may feel your selfless, hard working attitude is being taken for granted, undervalued or simply ignored. Know this: that although people don't show it very well, they need you, they love you, and they do appreciate all you do. Lets not just set aside one day a year to thank our mothers, fathers, and whoever else deserves a bit of recognition, but instead say thank you more often.

Daily Encouragement

"Grace is the beauty of form under the influence of freedom."

"Acceptance of the unacceptable is the greatest source of grace in the world."

Grace is something I've never been very good at, I'm naturally clumsy and awkward. When I first became ill I kicked up a fuss, I refused to let the illness take hold and definitely did not 'go gracefully,' as it were. I continued to do all the things I'd done before getting ill, and would not accept the full extent of how disabling this illness could be. I crashed and burned and now I'm bed-bound, having help with washing and even eating. 

So, if you're in an early stage of a chronic condition, please have the grace to accept that you're ill, you're not how you used to be, and that it's okay to stop, rest, and say no. Your health is the most important thing; especially when it's so fragile. Don't let pride delude you into thinking that stopping when you need to is weakness, or giving in- it takes more strength to 'go gracefully,' than it does to kick and scream about it.

With love, Alice xxx

© Alice Daley 2013