Frank Clark Short Stories

“Grandma, why is gratitude so important?” said Emily. “Oh, sweetheart, sit down for a moment and I will tell you.”

“It has become a topic in my social studies class this week. The teacher said, ‘Being thankful means to appreciate the good things we have, and most importantly, looking for the good in other people, like your classmates, family and friends.'”

“Emily, dear, gratitude simply means having a thankful heart. Being thankful can change one’s attitude to a positive frame of mind. It can make your mind a happier place,” said Gram in an uplifting tone of voice.

“Next week, we will do an exercise on gratitude. The teacher wants us to think of five things to share. Gram, can you name five things that you are grateful for?” said Emily.

“When you’ve lived as long as I have, one’s priorities change. I’m grateful that I woke up to enjoy another beautiful day. I’m grateful that I am able to live independently.

I’m grateful for my beautiful grandchildren, you are particularly special. I’m grateful that family live nearby.

I’m grateful that I still have my ’56 Studebaker in the driveway. I can still drive, but not much. It reminds me that my independence is still important to me. Yes, I have a thankful heart for all my blessings.”

“Gram, you have a lot of things for which you are grateful. You’ve given me some ideas for my class next week. Thank you!” said Emily.

“Emily, I do have some mundane things that I’m grateful to have. A new plunger, the other one gave out. My new change purse. My five new plastic tumblers and plates from the dollar store, and my crossword puzzle and word search books. They keep my mind sharp.”

Mrs. Quaker said, “Class, I want you to write down five things that you are thankful for and make you happy. You will have fifteen minutes to complete.

Most of you already know one or two. So begin to write and we’ll discuss and share when everyone is finished.”

“Okay, class, time is up. Ready to share your five things you’re grateful for?”

“Me first, Mrs. Quaker,” said Billy with excitement. “I’m thankful for my new smart watch. It does everything. See?”

Mary Louise shares “I’m grateful for my mom and dad who provide a good home for us.”

“Benjamin, how about you, what are you thankful for?” “I’m so happy and grateful that I no longer have to share a room with my brother. I have my own space now. I call it my Kid Cave.”

“Ginnie Mae, what are you happy about, grateful to have? “I got a raise on my allowance. Fifteen dollars a week. All I have to do is load and unload the dishwasher.”

“Oh my, that’s a hefty raise. Maybe I need to put in for a raise in my allowance, my salary.”

“Freddie, you seem eager to share.” “Yes, I do, I opened a savings account with my new ten dollar allowance and from my weekend job mowing a couple of lawns.”

Well, class, I have one thing I’m thankful for, each of you. You are a delightful group of students.

Gratitude is so important because it comes with a thankful heart.