Author: Jennifer Bertram

Deep cleansing breath….I am grateful for time to myself to heal. My path is not straight but it is clear; I am grateful for time to slow down and breathe. Taking care of myself should be easy but over the years I forgot how; I am grateful for the love of family. Blood and otherwise – those who support me and love me unconditionally, accept me, and believe in me. Trust falling into my support as I heal over the years has been true Providence. #3things #choosejoy #gratitide

Little girl giggles and sweet baby curls; bright sunny days at the park; a drive home with windows wide open. #gratitude #3things #choosejoy

I am grateful for grandbabies, cathartic sobs, and a cool fresh breeze blowing a cross my face as I lift it to face the sky. #gratitude #choosejoy #3things

3 things November 2022: Pure Joy, Pure Love.

Bringing the year to a close always brings reflection when you have a growth mindset. It’s been quite a month and I can only reflect on that right now and not on all the other major changes 2022 has brought upon me.

I am grateful that my daughter, Alexis, and my granddaughters were able to come and stay in my new home with me for a few days this week. It’s the first time ever. She was exhausted and has a lot on her plate but God no doubt guides her relentlessly down a path of joy. During her stay I was able to get the news in person that I am going to be a grandma again. I also witnessed her telling her siblings. I smiled from ear to ear as the screams and cheers assaulted her, and as they all hugged and shared in the excitement and expectation of another Wallace in the clan. Pure joy. Pure love.

I am grateful that my house was a home ready to receive my children during this holiday of gratitude and I would not have been able to do it without my boyfriend, Steven. As I have been recovering from surgery since November 2, he has made my vision for my home a reality. He has the tenacity and drive equal to 3 men and the heart of 100. This was the first gathering at my new house with all of my children and after the last 4 years I needed to provide them a home. I needed it. Me. Not an apartment I escaped to and turned into a home – but a bed and room for each and every member of our clan so the we CAN come together in one place. Without Steve, I probably would have had to wait another year to satisfy my need to provide. He hung shelves, and painted, and probably moved everything I own about 3 times…all while being my nurse maid as I rang a bell from my bed when I needed something (his idea). I still have a lot I would like to do in my new home, and to my new home. However, every single one of my children told me in their own way, with all sincerity, that they felt like they were, in fact, home. **and her heart grew 3 sizes that day. So, if it isn’t clear – I am so very grateful for the love of this man and his dedication to me and my children. Pure joy. Pure love.

I am grateful for the spirit of the holiday. I used to shop with my mother on this day. I loved being with her and seeing all the holiday decorations. They didn’t come out quite so early 30 years ago. Often I hadn’t seen any until this shopping trip. I no longer enjoy Black Friday shopping – why when you can do it online? Oh, but the decorations! Social media showed us that so many folks felt the need to justify putting up their tree very early this year – like they needed the spirit to touch them quickly and sooner rather than later. I thought “wow, seems like a lot of folks need some positive mojo”. Oddly, it brought me joy to know that their decorations bring them what they need the most sometimes. You know…just simple joy. Now I love going to the stores and seeing the early decorations out before Halloween passes. I don’t have to wait for Black Friday and I don’t have to rush them out in my own home. There is just something about red and white, glitter, ribbon and bows, that take me back to those early mornings with my mother – that day was our day..No brothers. But now, I can put out the simplest decor (don’t get me wrong – my decor is usually so invasive it looks like Christmas threw up) and feel the spirit and over and over, reconnect with the joy between me my mother on that day. And it’s a good thing, too. I’d hate to have to tell Steve – ok now take it all down and box it up – it’s time for Christmas! But you know what is also so awesome? He would just smile and if it makes you happy, I’ll do it. Pure love. Pure joy.

#3things #choosejoy #gratitude