We otter be thankful for blessings

There is much for which to be thankful. Our niece, Jane, the marathon runner, is pregnant. She is still running on a regular basis and absolutely glows with maternal love and good health. When she had her first ultrasound, the baby was doing gymnastics inside Jane’s womb. It probably found it disconcerting that Jane was lying still at the time.
Jane and her unborn child were surrounded by family and friends this past weekend. Her sisters threw a baby shower for her. People drove for hours and crossed state lines to share in the celebration of the upcoming birth. We are so very grateful that the shower was this past weekend and not in February, when the baby is due.
As she opened the many packages, Jane tossed the tissue paper aside. Her younger sister’s toddler, Isabella, claimed the paper as hers. Isabella climbed into an empty box and another child buried her under mounds of tissue paper. Periodically, Isabella would pop up with a “ta-da!” and a big grin. This kept the girls occupied for a long time.
A group picture was taken at the end of the party and we went back to Jane’s to collect the husbands. We didn’t stay long, as snow flurries had been dancing across the roads most of the afternoon.
We stopped for supper on the way home and were blessed with a free piece of chocolate mint cake. The slice was big enough for three people and is delicious even though the mint is a little strong. I have no idea how we were chosen to receive free cake. I still have some left, but it will probably be gone by the time you read this.
In addition to free cake and a great visit with family, I am also grateful for a glimpse of an animal I had never seen in the wild before. Since Friday was such a beautiful day, I took a walk. I always stop at the bridge and stare at the water for awhile.
This time I saw a small, dark animal at the edge of the river. It took me a minute to realize that it was a baby otter. It nosed around the bank for a bit then crossed to the other side. I lost sight of it in the tall grass. I found out later that someone in the next town north of us had seen an entire family of them in their pond.
Whenever I see something unexpected like that otter I consider it to be a blessing. It always makes me smile to know that there are still wild places within walking distance of my house.
I am also thankful for friends who invite us to share in their Thanksgiving. We are choosing to celebrate quietly this year and thus turned them down. It makes my heart glad to know that we are welcome in their home.
I am thankful that none of the bees grandson Jacob rescued from pop cans stung him. I see pictures of bees crawling over his hands and wonder if they realize he is trying to save them, not hurt them. I am so grateful that Jacob has such a caring heart.
I am grateful that the other grandchildren are healthy and happy. They are so precious and everyday I am proud of the caring, adventurous people they are becoming. I am grateful to their parents for not stifling their enthusiasm.
There is so much good in this world. I am thankful for all of it. I am lucky to live in a place and time where I am safe. I am grateful that I am surrounded by good people. I am grateful that you take the time to read my words. I have a roof over my head, food in the refrigerator and people who love me. What more could I want? Except, perhaps, another glimpse of that otter.