An Irreplaceable Gift

Living as a survivor brings an acute awareness of life’s temporary nature, which can be both humbling and profoundly freeing. Facing the reality that life is never guaranteed after a health crisis shifts everything, making each moment stand out with sharp clarity. At first, everything feels miraculous. Each morning, the simplest acts—waking up, breathing, walking—are treasured beyond words. You become absorbed in the essence of living, not by choice but by necessity.

But with time, as routines re-establish themselves, the mind’s tendency to normalize returns. Gratitude fades, replaced by daily grumbles and a sense of entitlement to life’s comforts. And yet, the wisdom learned through hardship whispers that every ordinary moment deserves recognition. This realization demands a practice—a commitment to view the world with a grateful perspective, even when the miraculous fades to familiar.

Practicing gratitude isn’t about waiting for tragedy or drama to wake us up. It’s a muscle that strengthens with daily use, a mindset that chooses to see life’s value in every detail. By maintaining this perspective, we honor each day as an irreplaceable gift. We don’t cheat life by expecting more; we live by appreciating what already is.