Thankful

Walking through the courtyard, I chose to sit in the shade to get out of the sweltering sun and rest my worn feet. I had been walking for a few miles along the beach and found myself entering the courtyard of the church across the street.

I heard a muffled voice and looked up to see that the mass inside the church was being broadcast on a loudspeaker overhead in the tree above me.

No one else was in the courtyard except for statue of Mary and of St. Francis feeding the silent birds. There were candles and flowers placed at his feet.

I bowed my head. I prayed for Kerby, Doreen, Olga, Howard, and Michael. I thought about Luis, Cecilia and Fred who died. I prayed for Margaret who lost her father to ACC but continues to support us. I prayed for Zeljko's mom, Anda, who passed away last week.

I am thankful for simple things. For the beautiful garden that surrounds me. For the blue ocean across the street. For finding simple pleasure sitting under this tree. For the sound of the water fountain behind me.