After watching my partner complete 33 treatments of radiation, I sat in the waiting room on the last day offering gratitude. Yes, I was relieved the treatments were over. Driving 60 minutes each day to the cancer center was taxing. Cutting the work day short five days a week took a toll. And watching the side-effects accumulate over time was concerning. So, the relief was palpable on the last day.

However, I found myself counting what didn’t happen. I was grateful for every worse side effect that wasn’t experienced. It was a blessing to consider every complication that didn’t happen. I whispered a prayer of thanks for the damage that was not done to healthy cells and tissue. Counting my blessings in the form of what was not endured or experienced sent goosebumps down my spine.

How many times in my life do I complain about what is when I have neglected to consider how grateful I could be for what isn’t?

I pulled off of the interstate after a short road trip to Kansas. It had been a nice visit without any incidents. We had seen the traffic completely stopped on the interstate going east, but we fortunately were traveling west. I was grateful for every other driver on the road at the same time who had stayed awake and hadn’t driven distracted. Because the rain poured down, I was thankful for every water puddle that I didn’t hit and the brief seconds of hydroplaning that I didn’t lose control.

It is so easy to take life for granted. I scurry through busy days and don’t appreciate the blessings that have come my way, the protection that has guided my path, and the gifts that have graced my journey. When hardships come, I grieve and mourn. I feel the loss of a loved one passed before she got to start another round of radiation. I am concerned for another who is dwindling in health. And my heart hurts for those who have lost their homes or loved ones. It has been my practice for many years to pray for an ambulance that goes by and all of the people involved. Life can be hard at times, so it only makes sense to me to appreciate the moments when those hardships bypass me.

For today, I will not only count my blessings, but I will also be grateful for all the hard things that don’t happen. I am blessed beyond measure in ways I can and cannot see.