Today, March 5th, would be my husband’s birthday. This day falls as a deep and raw reminder of our empty place. It will be the beginning of a long parade of “firsts” that we will face without him – prepared or not. We have been surrounded by friends and wrapped in the comfort of knowing so many people continue to think of us. Everyone asks: What can we do? How can we help? I have an answer for today. I would ask that you consider expressing gratitude for something you appreciate in your life by honoring and sharing this request we printed for Doug’s Celebration of Life service last week:
The Gratitude Penny. Some people pick up lost pennies and make a wish. For many years, our family has been finding lost pennies and instead of wishing for something, we pick them up and express gratitude for something in our lives. Doug would often fill extra moments at malls, restaurants, etc. (while waiting on a woman) by walking through parking lots looking for pennies. He nearly always found one.
Our daughter now often “plants” gratitude pennies in odd places for others to find. Today, I am making a special request; I ask that you hold a penny in your hand while you express gratitude for something in your life you appreciate. Then toss your coin in a random parking lot or other public place for some other treasure hunter to find. Take a moment then to smile and think of Doug.
It would appear this blog is getting read by other bloggers in many places around the world. I would love to hear from everyone who chooses to be grateful for something today by tossing a small coin with this request in mind. Then let me know what is in your life that fills your heart with gratitude. You will help us through another first. MK
Dead Mouse Diaries 
Yvonne, So wonderful… I teach a human development class at HACC in Gettysburg. I will give each of my students a penny before leaving and request they speak their gratitude in life and toss a penny for Doug. God Bless you and may the angels of healing surround your broken heart and strengthen you each day. Kathy
By: Kathy O on March 5, 2014
at 8:10 pm
Thank you!
By: deadmousediaries on March 5, 2014
at 8:14 pm
I am grateful to know many amazing women, MK being one of them! I placed my penny at lunch…
By: De on March 5, 2014
at 9:33 pm
Thank you!
By: deadmousediaries on March 5, 2014
at 10:20 pm
I will drop a five bani piece (the closest thing we have to a penny here) tomorrow and fill the moment by being grateful for knowing you, for the wonderful memories your family has, and for the wonderful family I have.
By: A. Larrow on March 6, 2014
at 6:00 pm
A wonderful tribute-thank you!
By: deadmousediaries on March 6, 2014
at 6:21 pm
Hello. You’ve really brought me up short (as the saying goes). I’ve lots of niggles in my life at the moment – life as a stranger in a foreign land is sometimes a bit depressing… oh and over the past 6 months I’ve put on weight, I’m not as healthy as I was, I’ve had to have my most favourite, most companiable cat put to sleep, I’ve not got enough work… but then I clicked on Freshly Pressed, read your post, realised what you were saying about March 5th – and I got an enormous dose of perspective. For which I thank you even as I send you my condolences.
I’ll be leaving a 20 cent piece in the supermarket carpark in Vire, Normandy when I go out later and as I place it somewhere ‘right’ I’ll think of your Doug and, if you don’t mind too much, I’ll thank my lucky stars that my husband (after three major operations last year, one of which went wrong) is alive, fit and healthy and with me.
I hope as each day passes, it brings you a little peace and thankfulness for what you had and have.
Best wishes, Carole (Normandy, France)
By: bassenormandie on March 10, 2014
at 9:27 am
Finding your note was such a beautiful way to start my day-thank you! I will hold you and your husband in my thoughts today and toss a penny for your gift of connection. I am wishing you a better year ahead as you take care of each other–MK
By: deadmousediaries on March 10, 2014
at 11:54 am
Gratitude penny left at Fetterhoff Chapel. There will be many more scattered for Doug.
By: denny reed on March 20, 2014
at 5:57 pm