the grass is always in need of a haircut

The events of the last few days have made me think I need to spend more time and effort appreciating the things I have. I know how lucky I am to have the most wonderful, supportive spouse ever. IMG is nothing short of fantastic when it comes to helping me through the problems I have been dealing with. My kids are, for the most part, pretty fantastic too!
I have the best friends in the world. They have been here for me through all the bad times and understand the way I have been for the last while is not permanent and that I will work through this lovely thing they call PTSD. My network is nothing short of phenomenal.
But, sadly, I must admit I have sorely neglected thanking the one thing that has really helped with restoring my sanity.
My backyard.
Yup. my grass.
And all the other things that go with it.
When we bought this house my children only knew that places to play were called parks. After we moved in and our oldest was allowed to go out back and play on her own swing set all she could ask was when she could go back! It made all the work on this place worth it.
My yard has seen lots of changes over the last 17 years. It has seen above ground pools that went from 15 inches deep to 15 feet in diameter. Ice rinks for winter fun. It has seen vegetable gardens and weed infestations. Old falling down sheds have been replaced with newer and more eco friendly ones.
The grass was replaced with new sod only to have a former neighbour destroy it and then more seed had to be spread until it looked healthy again.
The play swing was replaced with a lovely wooden one I built myself. The deck and patio have changed.
Not every yard has a water feature in a tree! Or 6 foot tall metal flowers.
My backyard has been the location of many a crazy party. Not everyone warns people not to wear white on their invitations. (Can you say HUGE water fights?)
But the most important feature of my little piece of paradise is the comfort and relaxation it provides. It has been there for me in more ways than most people. When I had big calls at work and needed somewhere to go to calm down it was always there. When I wake up in the early morning it awaits me and my first coffee to watch the sun rise. In the middle of the night when I can't sleep it's there again. Warm weather family functions seem to always occur here.
So think of someone or something you have that's important to you and go and say thanks.
You will have to excuse me now I must talk to my grass.