Daily Reminder # 55

Change is often uncomfortable. Painful even. Sometimes change seems like the Universe has just got things wrong or like you are being punished. But change is just change and I have found that the worst trials often bring with them the best gifts. Still, this is the kind of day when I bring out the "Thank You for Everything, I Have No Complaints Whatsoever" mantra and repeat it a lot.

There has been another tree tragedy. This is a much smaller one than the one that lightning took two years ago, but it is still a big old pine tree. Luckily, I think this time the half that remains standing will survive. I sure hope so. It cost a small fortune and a good deal of high drama to take down the 60 foot half that remained standing. More than money, though, I still miss the tree. It was beautiful and made my yard a little haven from the rest of the world.

The loss of my tree brought a gift with it, though. It introduced me to my new neighbors and to then 11-year-old Shannon who became my friend and frequent visitor. At 13 now, I see a good deal less of her, but she still drops in from time to time.

I don't know if today's loss will come with a gift. Maybe it will bring more birds to my yard like it did last time. But I hate seeing trees die. It's such a sad thing.

Some things I'm grateful for today:

• the direction in which my tree fell
• that half of it is still standing and looks like it will survive
• a kind neighbor who will help me clear it away
• cool air that follows rain
• good news for one of my friends
• life
• the thank you mantra
• things that make me laugh

Thank You for Everything.

I Have No Complaints Whatsoever.