(Header photo: Oregon Central Coast, by Hadi Dadashian)
Gratitude: “the state of being grateful”
I thought I was living a life of gratitude.
Then I almost died. Several times.
I was near-dead after an IED was hurled at our vehicle near Gardez, Afghanistan on March 4, 2002.
After a coma, and surgery in five countries, gratitude took on new meaning.
Gratitude became more meaningful still when my heart stopped during the last major surgery, and it had to removed so a surgeon could literally squeeze it back to life.
I always figured I squeezed the most out of life.
But I live even more fully now, in a constant state of gratitude.
Kathleen Kenna
Kathleen Kenna kayaking Morro Bay, CA, fall 2011
living in gratitude 
Kathleen, This made me shiver. So true, it shouldn’t take something like that to awaken us to be grateful for every single day. As Tim McGraw says, “Live Like You Were Dying.”
LOVE, LOVE the photo!!! The title is very cool.
“The experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do.” Corrie Ten Bloom
Wow. Your experiences are unbelievable and the fact that they’ve drawn you further into gratitude, and to documenting it for the world is so inspiring. Glad I found your blog!
I’m glad you did too! Thanks for stopping by.
glad you found us too! like your blog, thanks.
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Hi Kathleen:
I just read your story online in the Toronto Star and discovered your blog. It is inspiring.
I nearly died on January 6, 2011 after suffering 5 cardiac arrests.This year on the anniversary of my survival, I started a wordpress blog called optimismofcolor celebrating life through my art and photos. I’m finding it cathartic.
Five cardiac arrests! We’re fortunate you’re here, and writing about your survival. Thanks for checking our blog, Linda. We’ll check yours, and we wish you much joy and good health.
I’m really touched by your story. I just want to thank you for everything you have endured. I know that sounds cheesy and weird, but it makes sense to me!
Not cheesy at all, Franco. Thanks for expressing your feelings — we appreciate it.
Awesome. Also made me shiver. But in a good way and you are a good testament to the human spirit. Thanks for your blogging.
Thanks for your sweet message, Missy Jean. Appreciate your support!
Just a beautiful blog, I feel so blessed to have found….I too found a new appreciation for life, after the death of my son. Thank you for sharing your inspiration!
Thanks for sharing your blessings too, Kelly. I hope you have found peace.
Kathleen, I wonder if we could connect on Facebook too? Our page is https://www.facebook.com/GratefulChicsGratefulGiftshttps://www.facebook.com/GratefulChicsGratefulGifts. I would like to feature your blog. Thanks, Joy