Special Occasions

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward Aurelius

Many cultures celebrate special times when families make an extra effort to get together from Christmas in the UK, to Thanksgiving in the US and the Chinese New Year in China. Times to celebrate, to appreciate each other and share.

I can remember many such special times. This cake was made for me one birthday using special flour and other ingredients as I suffer from allergies and food intolerance. The extra effort meant a lot.

For people who are very ill it can be difficult to get out and may mean that they miss out in meeting up with others on those special occasions. Sometimes it only takes a small amount of extra thought to include them in some way even if they can’t attend in person. A handmade card, some flowers, a phone call, a photo – a simple surprise to ensure someone knows that they are appreciated for simply being who they are.

Today I pause and think of all those wonderful special occasions shared with family and friends; remembering to give thanks to all who make them possible. I consider how I can reach out to others who are maybe housebound and too ill to take part in special events.