I am thankful and grateful...

                    

for the smile, a stranger gave me unexpectedly

for the rain that wet my feet on my way to work yesterday

for the ray of sunshine that blinded my eyes when I was walking

for the singing of the bird that woke me up this morning when I wanted to sleep more 

for that difference in opinion, I had with my friend that made me appreciate her more

for the times my parents didn’t let me do what I wanted because it wasn’t good for me

for all those people that aren’t part of my life anymore because, from them, I have learned a lesson

for that bad experience I had because it helped me be a better person

for the day that isn’t going well because make me appreciate the good ones

for those moments I felt a failure because it helped me grow as a person

for the days I doubt myself a little because it made me believe in myself more

for the good news, I saw on TV because it gave me hope in humanity 

for those words my teacher told me when I thought I couldn’t make it 

for that moment I didn’t like myself because it made me appreciate myself more 

for that tear turned into a smile because made me believe in better days to come

for just opening my eyes this morning because I have one more day to live

                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                        -Tere Rodriguez-Nora,2017

Did you know...

Blessed in the most unexpected way... my experience with an autistic student.

I'm pretty sure that sometimes you have thought of the blessings you have had or have in your life. Perhaps you think that you haven't been blessed as much as you should be or you compare your blessings to others’ Then life makes sure to take you through unexpected paths. Paths that make you think...

I have lived a blessed life. I had a great childhood and teen's years. I have two sons that are good-hearted men. I come from a family where we share love and care for each other. I have amazing friends who have been there for me always. I'm in good health, both physically and mentally. So, as you can see, I’m blessed.

Recently life decided to bless me in a different way. I started tutoring a kid with advanced autism. I've never worked with a student with autism before and when I was asked to do it, I won't lie; I was very nervous and stressful. But, I did it. I’ve been working with him for three weeks now and it has been a ride that I’ve been enjoying a lot.

He and I made a connection. I was afraid that didn’t happen but, it did and easily. He's happy to see me. I know it not only because he looked happy but because he said it with words. He works hard on his assignments and completes every task. He has shared with me his most beautiful smiles... and what an awesome feeling it is to see him smiling.
 Every Tuesday and Thursday this kid waits for me to be there and tutor him. Every Tuesday and Thursday I can't wait to be there for him.

His presence in my life has shown me another view of life, his view. A unique view where life is not that complicated and where you can be happy with the smallest things, with the smallest gesture of love.
Knowing and tutoring this kid... that is a true blessing!

Take care, Tere

Be grateful every day...

   

      Be grateful for a sunny or a rainy day,

       for the singing of the birds,

       because someone opened a door for you,

         for the bad and the good days

      for a day at the beach,

         for a tasty piece of cake,

         because things are not going as you expected,  

      for reading a good book or writing a great story,  

      for a tight, warm hug 

for tears of sadness,

    for times with friends and family,

     time with your love,

 for the laughter of your kids, 

for a sensual kiss,

           because someone holds your hand...

       Be grateful every day because you are alive! 

                                                                Tere Rodriguez-Nora