Thank You and Merry Christmas

Recently I shocked some of my grandchildren when they asked me what I was most grateful for. "Waking up every morning and drawing a breath," I said. When they looked worried, I added some other reasons for thankfulness, but the real truth is I have reached that age where I am most grateful for every day given me. I've written before how as I've grown older, the small things I once took for granted--that first up of coffee, a sunrise, the stars in the sky at night--I appreciated more. 

Maybe they aren't such little things after all.

Anyway, visitors to this blog, I am grateful you read what I post here. 

I also wanted to wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2020 bring you many gifts and blessings.

Tennyson's "Ulysses" has come to mind several times today. Here are the ending lines. If you're feeling old or battered, sad or worn thin, maybe these words will light a candle in your heart.

Come, my friends, 
'T is not too late to seek a newer world. 
Push off, and sitting well in order smite 
The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds 
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths 
Of all the western stars, until I die. 
It may be that the gulfs will wash us down: 
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles, 
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew. 
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho' 
We are not now that strength which in old days 
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; 
One equal temper of heroic hearts, 
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will 
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.