A Day of Joy, Gratitude, and Meaningful Moments

 Grateful Fridays

Fridays carry a unique charm joy, anticipation, and a quiet celebration of making it through the week. Today was no exception. My morning began with my usual ritual: a loving kiss to my plant (yes, even plants deserve affection!), journaling my gratitude, and sharing my reflections with a close friend.

Planning ahead always makes my Fridays smoother, and this one was no different. But today felt especially beautiful, filled with moments that deepened my gratitude for life.

The Beauty of Good Health

The day started with a hospital visit a stop that left me both humbled and reflective. Walking through the wards, I saw the strength of humanity in the patients and their caregivers.

In the surgical ward, bravery filled the air as patients prepared for or recovered from surgeries. The obstetrics ward, meanwhile, radiated hope with mothers-to-be awaiting new beginnings. Each face told a story of courage and resilience.

I couldn’t help but feel immense gratitude for my health. A simple headache can leave me feeling like the world is ending, so being pain-free and healthy today felt like an extraordinary gift.

If you haven’t been to a hospital recently, take a moment to appreciate your health. It’s easy to take wellness for granted until you see someone fighting for it.

Shoutout to the amazing staff at Federal Medical Center, Jabi doctors, nurses, and support staff who pour their hearts into serving humanity. The hospital was clean, the restrooms were spotless, and the care was evident. May they be blessed for their work!

My Encounter with the Gatekeeper

Getting into the hospital wasn’t without a little drama. I arrived only to be stopped by a diligent security guard who reminded me it wasn’t visiting hours yet.

I explained that I’d be at work during the official hours, but he stood firm. So, I called my cousin, whom I’d come to visit. She stepped out to meet me, and after a bit of persuasion (and a lot of pleading), the guard finally let me in with a strict warning not to stay long.

Honestly, I respected his dedication to the rules. While his resolve initially frustrated me, it also reminded me that boundaries exist for a reason. And yes, I was grateful for his eventual leniency.

The Shawarma Saga

After the hospital visit, I headed to work, where the end-of-year audit was in full swing. By the end of the day, my team had wrapped up their tasks, leaving just my boss, two colleagues, and me.

And then came the shawarma incident a moment that left us all in stitches.

My boss decided to order shawarma for the four of us, which was a delightful surprise. I was eager to join in and even took charge of coordinating the logistics. Forty-five minutes later, the shawarma arrived but there were only three.

Three shawarmas for four people! My boss shrugged it off, saying it must have been a mix-up.

Initially, I thought about letting it go, but then I thought, Wait I waited for this shawarma too! My colleagues kindly offered to share theirs, and after a moment’s hesitation, I accepted.

The best part? The look on my colleagues’ faces when I grabbed a knife to split the portions. They had secretly hoped I’d skip the shawarma altogether, but I was determined to enjoy my share. Even my boss joined the fun, offering his portion for splitting.

We laughed, teased each other, and turned a logistical blunder into a heart-warming memory.

Reflections on Gratitude

Today has been a day of reflection, joy, and connection. From the hospital visit that reminded me of life’s fragility to the shawarma saga that brought laughter and camaraderie, I’m ending the day with a heart full of gratitude.

Here are a few takeaways I’d love to share:

Cherish your health. Good health is a gift that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Appreciate small acts of kindness. Whether it’s a security guard doing his job or colleagues sharing their food, kindness makes the world brighter.

Celebrate shared moments. Life is made up of small interactions that leave lasting impressions.

Plan ahead. A little preparation can make your day smoother and more enjoyable.

As I close this day, I feel immensely grateful for my health, the people around me, and the memories we’ve created together. To everyone reading this, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Life is richer when we pause to appreciate its blessings.

Happy holidays, beautiful people!