few people get to sail through life untroubled.  

Most of us face daily struggles, which could surely defeat us………were it not for a 'saving grace'.

my American friend who is severely disabled recently wrote to me saying. "I'd had a bad night and the feelings of isolation and despair had mounted. My eyes welled up with tears and it was at this, my lowest point, that I felt my cat leap upon my lap. She had come to say good morning to me and as she purred and rubbed her forehead against me, my heart warmed.  Little did the cat know she was my 'saving grace' at that moment". 

What little comforts keep you going? A pint in your local pub? Playing a computer game? A night out with the girls? Watching a regular soap? It is indeed 'saving graces' ----great and small----- that get us through our days. 

The friend who calls to share a cup of coffee.  

A telephone call to ask, "how are things?". 

Or even hearing, "You've got a letter". 

Sometimes it doesn't take much. Just hearing one of my favourite songs on the radio, brightens my day.

The way we feel about life is effected by our well being.  If we surround ourselves with things that please our senses, then life is more tolerable.

For disabled people though, creature comforts have to give way to what is functional. No curling up on billowy cushions or wearing sheer night-dresses for us.

sometimes we need to be our own saving grace.  Self-pampering can be self-preservation. I put on my favourite perfume just for me. Have a glass of wine with my dinner. Take time to watch a good movie.

Without doubt though, our most valued 'saving graces' come in the form of human caring and kindness. Partners, family, friends and colleagues who make life tolerable. The person who helps us because they say they enjoy our company. Such help can never be bought.

Each one of us can be another's 'saving grace'.  The things we say, the things we do, the time we give, the interest we show can have a tremendous effect on another person.  We each hold the power to brighten a long day, a lonely evening, and an empty week for someone.

We all have our own 'saving grace' and each of us can be someone else's, 'saving grace'.