"Some Things I Am Grateful For" by Ryan J. Smith

I find it so easy to complain, I often forget why I should be grateful. Where would I be if I were not here right here, right now?

I would be dead!!!

I have cheated death at least 3 times, probably even more than that.

There may have been a time that I’d rather have died, but today I am grateful to be alive.

I have a new outlook on life and I am grateful for that, too.

I’m no longer selfish as I once was.

I have learned to love others.

I am grateful to my father, my mother, my sisters, and my brother.

I witnessed the miracle of birth three times.

First was March 27th, 2003 when Ryley Ann Smith was born.

Again January 14th, 2005 when Ayden Jay Smith was born.

Last, but certainly not least, February 27th, 2012 when my baby girl Jocelynn Leigh Smith arrived on Earth.

All 3 children share my name.

Not only am I grateful, I am also proud.

What I am truly grateful for is this opportunity for a second chance. This time I won’t take life for granted.