grateful – In my world

grave stone and candle — ©Mia Salminen 2025

Today, it’s been a year since my Dad passed away. It was February 8, 2024, and about 11 o’clock when they called from the hospital to tell me he was no more. A year goes fast. I still have things to do, like going through his clothes. But life has moved on, and I have had other things on my mind. Sometimes, I wish he was here, but maybe it was for the best. You never know when death will show its face. It was good that some things were done before he died.

My Dad was a goldsmith who owned a business for 30 years. He continued even after he retired. It was one of his ways of doing something. He was a very good drawer, and he designed the jewellery he made. He made white golden diamond and zircon rings, pendants and earrings. He had a sales rep from whom he got orders from. But then the sales prep died, so Dad began to think about quitting the business. He decided to stop, and at the end of 2023, he sold the business premises. Ultimately, it was good it happened because fewer problems existed for me.

One of his last works was this ring (and a few earrings that were the same set). As the daughter of a goldsmith, I had access to jewellery without having to buy them. I have a lot of different kinds of jewellery, including yellow and white gold rings and pendants. If he tried new designs, I got to try them, so I might have pieces no one else has. It won’t get me rich if I sell them. No one else, for that matter. I haven’t used them for years because I’ve had rashes on my hands. I wore a necklace that my Dad made once last Christmas. For special occasions, I can wear them. Maybe I could begin to wear rings again every day as I did before.

golden ring on finger — ©Mia Salminen 2024

No one is perfect, and my dad wasn’t either, but he was still my father, and I’m grateful for that. We didn’t agree on some things, but we got along great mostly. I hoped to have him around a little longer, but we spent a lot of quality time together, and that’s what matters.

Photo by Marcus Wu00f6ckel on Pexels.com

Day 10. People often think about the things they don’t have. Instead, you should be grateful for what you have. What might be thankful for some might be ungrateful for someone else. Finding 5 things for being grateful for today can be easy or not. For me, the first three is easy, but let’s see if I get five together.

Born and raised in Finland

I’m grateful to have been born into a country like this. We have great nature, which is something not many people have. We also have 4 seasons, so you don’t get bored. Our school education system is easy to understand. When I was in school, it was 9 years. You don’t need to go to high school. You can get a job even if you haven’t. There are a lot of different ways to get an education. The country is the least corrupted country in the world. You don’t have to fear expressing your opinions. No country is perfect. Everyone has problems. But I wouldn’t want to live in another country. Here you can feel safer than in other countries, and I hope it stays that way.

2. My parents

I had terrific parents. They were always supportive. I could be what I wanted to be. They didn’t expect me to become something they wanted. I could always talk to them. I was very close to my mother, so it’s was a very sad moment when she died of cancer in 2013. She was always worried about me. Sometimes a bit too much. I could ask for her advice, and she helped me with my concerns. Sometimes I miss that. My dad doesn’t know about those things. But he’s good at other things. I’m grateful he’s still around. I don’t know what I’ll do when it’s his time to go.

3. Knowing languages

I’m glad I can speak and write in more than one language. If I didn’t know English, life would be difficult for me. I couldn’t write this blog, and I couldn’t watch TV without subtitles. That’s another thing that is great in Finland. We have subtitles on movies and TV shows. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why Finns can speak English so well. Also, because it’s being taught in 3rd or 4th grade in school. I wish I could talk more than 3 languages, but it’s pretty challenging to learn more. I can say a few words in some languages, but I couldn’t speak with a native.

4. Health

I’m never ill. I’ve always been in good health. If I have the flu, it’s usually mild. Sometimes I have a little sniffle, but that passes a few days later. I can’t remember the last time I had flu with a high temperature. During covid, I haven’t had anything. I keep away from people anyway, so I can’t catch any. I definitely don’t want covid. I’ve had 2 vaccines, but still, I should be careful. I guess I have an excellent immune system, or maybe it’s natural. I really hope it will stay that way.

5. Modern technology skills

I’ve used a computer since late the 1990s. I also have a diploma in computers. I know how to use modern technology, but I couldn’t programme it or anything like that. I’m just an average user. I’ve used it for so many years I don’t think I could be without it. I keep learning every day. I couldn’t teach people how to use computers, but I can always help. I’ve used a PC and a Mac, so both are familiar. I use a computer for everything I do. It’s so much easier. I prefer computers to mobiles. Even if I use that too. When you go somewhere, a mobile is useful. But I don’t stare at it while walking like someone do. Technology is a tool and not something that controls you.

So that’s all 5 grateful things. It wasn’t that difficult. I could have mentioned more than 5. But that is for me to know, and you to find out. Gratefully.