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

Christmas time, memories, and me

Christmas time can be a very difficult time of the year for some people. They can get nostalgic; some others miss loved ones and others remember past experiences that could make them sad. I am one of those that get sad. 

Growing up, my holidays were full of joy, sharing, love, family, friends. I had an amazing time. Then those feelings change abruptly during my years of marriage.

Every year when the holidays where approaching, the struggle begins: insults because he didn't want to spend time with the family, not receiving any gift from him, when I was having a good time at a family's gathering, he just wanted to leave, yelling, trying to protect the kids while he decided to ruin our holidays. 

These are some of the things I remember from these holidays and somehow, they are like foggy, blurry. But what I sure don't remember is the good memories. Those are gone. I don't have them anymore. This is what makes me sad because my mind has erased all those memories not letting me hang on, not even to one of them. 

Since I decided to start a new life, seven years ago, I've been trying to create new Christmas time memories. I have had created these with friends and family here in Florida. But those bad memories of the past haven't let me create new memories with my family back home. I cannot go and spend it with them... not yet. Although is difficult for them, they understand and respect my decision.

As I grow older, I have learned to appreciate the simplest things, little things that matter. With these little things come the building of special memories with loved ones; that even though they are not family, they have opened their hearts to me and let me in. With these simplest things. I have also learned that it doesn't matter that you don't receive a gift on Christmas morning or day, but what counts is the loved ones that take time to greet you in their one special way. The little things have also taught me to be grateful and that I am capable to create new memories that I would remember and cherish.

This Christmas time, even though I feel with a little sadness in my heart, there is also hope, gratefulness, and a fresh look towards spending time with loved ones and creating amazing stories together.

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas full of love and beautiful memories!

Take care, Tere

30 reasons I’m thankful for...

1. being alive. 
2. breathing every day. 
3. the chance to see the sun every morning. 
4. my two sons and all the experiences I have lived with them. 
5. my parents and their love and teachings
6. all the experiences I have lived (good and bad ones). 
7. those people that love me no matter what. 
8. being able to make some kind of difference in people through my work. 
9. listening to a beautiful song. 
10. admiring the immensity of the night sky. 
11. smelling the scent of the rain when it’s approaching. 
12. feeling my dog’s fur while I caressed her. 
13. having a new chance to live after having a nearly death experience. 
14. my friends who chose me to be part of their lives. 
15. my writing because it lets me express myself and share my feelings with the world. 
16. my life before my divorce because it taught me how to be strong. 
17. the special needs child I tutor because he taught me how simple is to love. 
18. special moments lived with special people
19. the music which I dance to. 
20. laughing every day, even in my sorrow. 
21. the tears I have shed. 
22. the strangers I see every day that share with me their smile. 
23. all those people that aren’t part of my life anymore because, from them, I have learned a lesson. 
24. getting safe back home every day
25. the day that isn’t going well because makes me appreciate the good ones. 
26. those moments I have failed because helped me grow as a person. 
27. the days I doubt myself a little because it made me believe in myself more. 
28. being loved, understood, and respected. 
29. loving with all my heart. 
30. just opening my eyes every morning because I have one more day to live. 

Take care and be thankful, Tere