I sat down to write about something mundane and got distracted reading the NPR This I Believe stories.

Mary Chapin Carpenter just got out of the hospital after suffering a pulmonary embolism. Now, recuperating, she is climbing The Learning Curve of Gratitude. I found her article shortly after the shock of reading a friend’s name in the newspaper this morning: he lost his daughter and three grandchildren to a murderer’s rage.

Thank you, Mary, for inserting a bit of peace into my overly busy life. Today I will breathe, take the dog for a walk, savor the taste of my food, and be thankful for my family and friends.