I have always thought “taking for granted” referred to not really appreciating people and things in your life. I have to say that I’m a member of the group that take little or nothing for granted. I’ve been very lucky in that I haven’t had to deal with horrific incidents, but the mere process of reaching my age, I’ve found that very little should be taken for granted. I’ve lived without indoor plumbing, washed clothes in a wringer washer and used towels you could bend and stand in the corner they dry so stiff on the line. Carried water for household use from the well in a 5 gallon bucket, chased cows down the road when they broke down the fence, watched baby pigs die because they were too weak to survive, warmed baby lambs by the stove when they decided to come in to a world where the temperature was below zero. On the other hand I’ve raised five great children, who are all productive members of society, probably in spite of me. Enjoyed my parents as they lived into their 90s, gazed in awe at mountains, oceans, rushing rivers, tiny humming birds and huge buffalo. Taking anything or anyone for granted is a really bad habbit to aquire.

You’ve all been so prolific and insightful it’s difficult to come up with anything unique. Here’s my first thought: I take for granted the sun will rise each morn and the moon will take it’s place, that night blooming Jasmine will smell as sweet, as my grandson’s dewy kiss upon my wrinkled cheek. I love you, Jake.

I, like many of you it seems, truly try not take anyone for granted. I try to always make sure that everyone around me knows how much I love or care about them, and appreciate their presence in my life. I am very much a giver, and do so without expectation. “The only gift is a portion of thyself.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

A friend of mine wrote an article for a local magazine earlier this year about Valentine’s Day and summed the article up about how she takes the ones she loves most for granted and was going to let the people in her life know how much she loves and appreciates them more. Suddenly it dawned on me from reading her words how guilty I was of doing the same thing and completely oblivious to it. I called her and thanked her for her words. Life often gets in the way in of living and I am trying to be more appreciative of the ones I love.

Great Question! After 9/11 I vowed I would NEVER take anything for granted. In thinking about this question I would have to put them in this order….1. My religion.. I have been a Roman Catholic my entire life. And, admittedly, I had taken it all for granted. Now, when I’m saying my prayers each evening, I thank God for his guidance in my life. I know that he has brought me through some tough times. 2. Parents… I adored both my parents. My mom was indeed one of my best friends. When she was 63 she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. I’ll never forget the time when I was visiting…she grabbed me, hung on to me, held me tight and cried. I, in turn, did the same. The next time I saw my mother she didn’t know who I was. I’m sure now that it was her way of telling me goodbye. She lived for 20 years — it was a very long goodbye for me. My dad was my Prince Charming. He took care of my mother until her death. What a magnificant human being he was! He died at age 89. I shall never forget them. 3. My daughter’s wonderful humor. She read an article about marajuana and Alzheimer’s disease. Something about slowing the progress of the disease by smoking the weed. My daughter said, “Mom if it comes to that…we are going to sit on your back porch…I’ll roll and you’ll smoke”! 4. My best friend. We went through 12 years of school and then we moved to the other ends of the earth. We took our friendship for granted in high school. Later at our 50th reunion we found each other again. I believe the friendship today is better than years ago because we don’t take this friendship of ours for granted. 5. My husband of 47 years. I always said I married my best friend. Sometimes we take each other for granted, however, the thought of losing him..well, I just don’t want to go there. After 47 years, I still think WOW when I see him walk in a door. He’s a sweetie and he’s mine.

Arlene, what a great saying. That is exactly what I try to do, and what I was trying to say..although put much more poetically :) I should put that on my fridge as well. Thank you for sharing it with me.

What do I take for granted… death and taxes? Luckily, I’m able to handle the one whose arrival I anticipate a bit more imminently. *grin*

Myself. I take for granted that I’ll be around to take care of everything. I can say that I’m aware that I’m replaceable, but that doesn’t mean that I stop trying to do everything. I take my talents and skills for granted, thinking they’ll always be there. Maybe I should back off a bit, but I’m not sure how that will happen.

My first thought was running water and electricity. I kind of panic during the summer monsoon season when the electricity goes out, especially after I just shopped for groceries. I also take my husband for granted, that he will always be with me and that he will put the clean dishes away and scrub the toilets.

america, the fact that I can say what I want when ever I want and not be shot!

With no respectable reasons or valid excuses - I take my Grandmother Fannie, who will turn 108 this June for granted. She is an amazing woman who has a zeal for life, many colorful stories (some of which are just now coming to light), and sees the world around her with no filters. She has a laugh that I would recognize in a vast crowd and a sense of humor that is richer because of the years of experiences. I last visited her when her “male friend” who she named Pee Wee, unexpectedly died. She was 100 and he was 64. Life is very short, even for those who are approaching 108 - make sure you love and live every day. And don’t forget your “Fannie”.

Absolutely NOTHING. I think every day is a new miracle laden with unique experiences and people I may never encounter again. Cherish the moments and the people - they’re only on loan.