I am grateful for the kindness and compassion of others. A dear friend is having open heart surgery today and the outpouring of love from others for him and his wife has been grounding.

I am grateful for skilled hands of surgeons and operating room staff. I know that my friend will be well cared for by a team of people who I will never meet.

I am grateful that we live within driving distance of one of the premier heart centers in the world and that my friend will receive the best care possible as a result.

I am grateful for prayers. It may be surprising that an agnostic believes in the power of prayer, but I’ve learned that prayer need not be religious. Prayer takes many forms including asking for help, setting intentions, and being present and mindful.