The Gift of Life

 I came across a video yesterday that spoke on gratefulness and the gift of life. It struck me that many of us have come to take this for granted to the point that life itself becomes a burden not a gift. I got chills watching that video and it was another reminder to be grateful. My mom hasn’t been well. She’s been dealing with a very bad cough but thanks to medication, she is getting better. That aside I lost a few things over the past few weeks and a source of income was one of them. I sulked and stewed but for some reason, I was still happy. I wasn’t jumping around with joy, those close to me need only look into my eyes to tell something was wrong. I’m so grateful for the kind of people God is surrounding me with. I didn’t need to speak, my silence did the whole talking. I was silent, active and what you may call energetic but I was breaking inside. This pain was very hard to ignore but I was happy all the same. Despite it all, I was able to settle bills, pay back loans and feed my family. I bought what I needed and helped those I could. That’s not something I take for granted. Being in the position to help others even when you’re struggling is a gift. I realised that I had been blessed. When my emotions finally stabilised and my mind was clear, I recognised another blessing. Despite it all, my family is a blessing. We push and test each other but we are family nonetheless. I’m not just talking about blood now, yes we are related by blood, but my people have proved again and again that it’s not just blood that binds us. It’s love. We genuinely love and accept who we are, we respect and appreciate moments, and we know that some of these moments are tumultuous. This doesn’t push us away but rather challenges us to draw closer. This is a blessing not everyone can boast of.  So, I’m thankful for the gift of life. The year is fast ending and 2026 right around the corner. I can say with my full chest that 2025 was full of miracles for me. Every single event orchestrated for a divine purpose, there was no wasted experience. Every fear, loss, memory, pain, confusion, joy brought along with it a different kind of courage. The sun is up. I can hear birds chirping faintly outside. My sister is busy on her manual machine getting us prepped up for this Sunday, my mom resting. It’s a sweet feeling honestly. My family is safe and alive. I am safe and alive. Oh. I also got a gift from someone. All these things further proves that life is indeed a gift and I’m not here only for the roses. Life wouldn’t be beautiful with only the good times. The hard times are what makes the good times worth more. So, with that mindset today, I step out to live again. Everyday is a new day, therefore I live vigorously, mindfully and excellently. **** _{*From **The Unfiltered Pages: Deraaa’s***} **All images are mine**