What will you gain when you lose?

'What will you gain when you lose?'  This is the new slogan for Special K breakfast cereal which caught my eye the other day.  It made me think about what I've gained since losing Paul to cancer and I thought I'd write them down.

1.   A greater and deeper faith.  I know God has been with me on this journey and has great things to show me.
2.   Confidence.  I've added this although somedays my self-confidence is at rock bottom.
3.   Ability to put up a shelf with my brand new drill!
4.   Freedom in making decisions (although sometimes I can't make any)
5.   Ability to relax.  I hadn't realised how stressed I used to be and how important time was. I am more balanced now but still stress out sometimes.
6.   Competance on the computer!  I'm pretty good now and can actually be bothered to learn!
7.   I've gained alot of weight - not something I'm proud of but I comfort eat on biscuits.
8.   A job I really enjoy with kind bosses.
9.   A new car ( well secondhand but still newish)
10. A better and closer relationship with my children.
11.  Peace.  I know I am capable of far more than I ever imagined which gives me peace.
12.  Ability to ask for help and accept it.  I would never admit to needing help before.

These are all good positive things I've gained.  None of them stop me missing Paul but I realise how his death has changed me.