This morning our minister, Andrew, spoke about gratitude.
This afternoon I’ve been puttering away in my garden.
A place where it’s almost impossible not to feel grateful.
And I am.
For the glorious weather we have been having.
For the gift of fall roses
That seem a bit different from their spring sisters.
Perhaps they’re a little sturdier knowing that
They are among the last of the season.
For the abundance of tomatoes
Both green
And ripened.
For peppers that take all season to grow.
And come into their own as others fade.
After all, if I were a pepper
I’d wait till all that squash finished showing off
Before I made my appearance.
And you can’t write about gratitude this time of year
Without talking about dahlias.
They are among the most amazing of all the things I grow.
And yes, I’m even grateful for cockscomb.
But…
As glorious as this day has been.
And as giving as my garden continues to be.
It pales in comparison to my friend Suellen.
Last week after 11 years of silence.
The miracle of the Cochlear implant was turned on for her.
And she can hear.
Think of it.
The voices of young grandchildren she had never heard.
Birds singing
Crickets
Music
Even traffic.
There’s likely no one else I know
Who’s more grateful tonight.
There’s a community of those who care about you
Who are grateful to the bone.
Gail
In My Garden 
Gail
I am without words. So beautifully written and so deeply appreciated. I have heard so many incredible things this week. Such special voices, such special sounds that I have missed for so long. But among the most special sounds that I have heard and the most special words I have read is the sound of friendship. I know it was always there just like the other sounds I missed. I had simply withdrawn because it hurt so deeply. Thank you for staying. We will talk soon and I will hear the joy of your voice and feel the love and gratitude in my heart.
True friendship withstands years of separation. You are blessed with many true friends.
I’m looking forward to a long visit soon.