Expressing Gratitude.
How many times do we say "Thank You" or "I appreciate all you do" to the one's we love?
Even better, how many times do we bring that struggle for fresh writing into creating a unique and touching way to extend our gratitude to those we love?
Sunday evening, I bolted off the Air Canada plane, reached customs before the crowds from 11 different international flight arrivals converged on the officers, and got through in no time. Next, I was lucky enough to be one of the first to gather my checked bag. On a roll, I found post "D" immediately and had the attendant call for the pre-arranged limousine--thanks to my considerate hubby. Yes, hubby encouraged me to book a limousine service to take me to the Toronto airport on Wednesday last week and pick me up on Sunday evening because he didn't want me to have to deal with stop after stop due to other shuttle patrons.
On Wednesday, I sat in a comfortable leather-interior luxury car, but on Sunday evening, it was little old me alone in a stretch limousine with tinkling wine glasses and a t.v. available. I used neither, but boy did I feel like a queen being chauffeured in a black, looking-brand-spank'n-new stretch limousine. Gratitude abounded. And in between conversing with the very nice driver, I did consider how I might thank my hubby for all of this. A huge surprise wife kiss? He always likes those. Or maybe I could make him his favorite dinner, even it isn't the best for his cholesterol issues? Or would a simple thank you along with an explanation of how great it felt to sit in luxury while getting home the fastest way possible be the best way to extend my gratitude?
But then when I got home, this is what welcomed me...
along with two overly-hyper dogs, three smiling girls with outstretched arms, and my dear hubby waiting in the backdrop for his turn to greet me.
I completely forgot to thank him, because what I was greeted with felt so much like their way of extending gratitude toward me. It wasn't just a welcome at 10:45 pm that I was receiving. Everything about it made me feel like I was appreciated--this was their way of thanking me for all I was going to do for them again. It would seem that five days away helped them realize that I do do some things after all! Praise God for such insight to fall upon my teen girls!
Anyway, since I was so full of taking in all their gratitude and welcome greetings, I forgot to take a special moment to thank my hubby for all he does for me. So this week I'll set out to find a way to freshly reveal my gratitude for all he is, and all he does. How about you? Is there something you need to thank a loved one for? How will you show your gratitude this time?
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
16 comments:
Aww, Eileen, you are so loved! I think it is wonderful that your family takes such wonderful care of you! I don't thank my husband enough for all he does for me. He helps sooo much and I take it for granted. Thanks for the reminder!
I love it! That is so sweet! Your family is such a blessing.
I have to say, I'm pretty good at telling my hubby he's the best husband in the world whenever he does something for me. :)
But maybe I should do something extra nice for him, too. Thanks for the reminder.
Great welcoming home. There is nothing like family support. Life simply wouldn't be the same without it! You received that love from your family b/c you have poured it into the family as well. Good job.
A limo?! THat is over the top fantastic!! Big bonus points for your hubby.
What a great thing to come home to. That should keep you smiling for weeks to come. And, yes, you owe the hubby big time.
Oh Eileen,
That picture of your DD's sign to you brought tears to my eyes!! How awesome!! I'm so glad they were able to gain appreciation for you during your time away!
My hubby had roses and chocolates waiting for me! I should have brought something to him to thank him for sacrificing and working so hard over the weekend, but instead he celebrated my return too!
Thanks for the reminder to think of ways to show him gratitude this week! I need to do that too!
how incredibly special you must have felt! my dear hubby brought my little girl into the airport and she ran toward me, having recognized me right off. i thought i was walking on air until she started crying when dad left to use the bathroom (the real reason for coming into the airport)...she thought he was leaving now! but she let me cuddle her again when dad reappeared. :) aren't we blessed with our families?
Everything about your post makes me smile! What a wonderful example of love!
How wonderful and sweet! You are blessed:)
MAJOR brownie points for the hubby. Like Jody, that sign got me all verclemped. :)
What a great welcome home, Eileen! And thanks for the reminder to appreciate our loved ones!
Wow, that is awesome! LOL I'm so jealous of your limousine ride. Heehee.
You have a wonderful family. :-)
What a great story and great reminder to appreciate and acknowledge the people we love the most. I need to thank my husband this week for taking me on a recent trip to Las Vegas where had such a good time.
That's awesome!! How was the conference for you?
How precious! You are so right! I need to thank my hubby more for all he does for me! Why is it so easy to just let life slip by without doing the really important stuff?
So often we get caught up in our resentments over the things that aren't...we forget to count our blessings and appreciate the things that ARE. Maybe we all should take time this week to be grateful for things in every aspect of our lives.
That's a great and sweet way to welcome home a mom :) :)
It seems like you had a great time!
Your blog made me think of how i take things my hubby does for granted... he's such a sweet and caring husband..... :) I get into the do to list and i forget to appreciate and show my love for him. I am starting today! Thanks for the blog!
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