I have corresponded with amazing humans.

Beautiful, generous people have called me friend.

Accomplished, courageous, well-loved people have genuinely said, “thank you,” in response to something I’ve done.

There are times that I’ve made a valuable contribution.

* * *

We can all say these things. Can we not?

And isn’t that enough? Aren’t these things — to love and to be loved in these simple ways — aren’t they enough to feed a lifetime of gratitude?

Surely, if we call these things to mind often, they are.