Gratitude

Ten things I am grateful for:

1. I am grateful for the sores on my feet. They remind me of
all the paths I have walked to places I had never been before now.

2. I am grateful for my runny nose. It reminds me that the
seasons are changing and the sweltering heat will soon be replaced.

3. I am grateful for the dirt under my fingernails. It reminds
me of all the fertile land I have farmed that has fed me and my family.

4. I am grateful for the sweat that drips down my back. It
reminds me of all the clean water I have to re-hydrate myself.

5. I am grateful for my burning, red eyes. They remind me of
all the beautiful things I have seen that I couldn’t bear to blink and miss.

6. I am grateful for the mosquito bites on my arms. They remind
me of the nights I forgot to wear long sleeves because I was so engrossed in
attaya and conversation.

7. I am grateful for my burnt tongue. It reminds me of all the
foods that were too delicious to wait until they cooled.

8. I am grateful for the knots in my hair. They remind me of
all the loving hands that have tousled and played with it.

9. I am grateful for the red on my cheeks. They remind me of
the days I spent in the hot sun laughing and playing with my brothers and
sisters.

10. I am grateful for all the aches and pains on my body. They remind
me of all the life I have lived.