Grateful

I returned late on Monday from a dear friend’s memorial service in Chicago.

She was 97; her name was Dorothy.

She loved well and she was mightily loved in return.

She left behind an uncommon grace.

She was one of the most grateful women I’ve ever known.

When she died last month,

I entered into three days of gratitude.

When people asked me how I was,

I’d say what Dorothy always said,

“I’m grateful.”

It felt wonderful to say it.

After a day of that, people stopped asking.

I said to my husband, “Ask me.”

He laughed. He knew.

The world feels smaller since her passing.

But it seems bigger, too.

A world worth fighting for,

But not with weapons of war.

Lean in, listen, and love with all your heart.

Please help spread the word…