I'm grateful that I got 16 years with my mother before she passed. She always gave me her ear and so much patience and encouragement throughout my childhood/teenage years (and constantly supplying me with really nicely bound sketch books that I would fill month after month). She also pushed me out of my comfort zone (and out of hers as well), and help to give me a community before she had to go.
I'm grateful for my wife and children, who constantly inspire me but also dare me to do better (both professionally and personally). All of them are so full of spirit, it just makes me want to help build a better world for them (and share more of the goodness in it).
I'm grateful for my family and friends who rally when needed, but also offer simple, kind gestures unsolicited. A glass of wine or a hug to help ease the spirit.
I'm grateful to my old colleagues who helped form my eye for graphic design. Who set me on a creative path that would push my boundaries but also incorporate my passions for story telling and animation in a way I never imagined. They lifted me up and inspired me to never stop working on my craft- encouraging me to find my voice in the details of my work.
And I'm absolutely grateful for the creatives/readers who pass it forward. For the stray comment on my work- letting me know that my story is working for them (either breaking hearts or cracking smiles).
And I'm grateful for a space to stop and reflect on these things that mean so much. It can be hard to spend my time on these sorts of thoughts.
Thank you.