Yesterday, November 1, was my ten-year anniversary with Automattic. Ten years is a long time. Almost a fifth of my life. I’ve never really celebrated a major milestone with a company before. Most of my previous jobs held were under five years. That’s when it seems the counting starts.

I’m not sure if it was intentional, but the celebrations manifested over four fun-filled days. On Thursday morning a delivery of customized ice cream appeared at my door, each flavor of the four pints named a witty name related to our work. I made a video as I opened the box, and thanked my team for their generosity and cleverness. Only later did I find out that was from one person, not the whole team.

A few hours later, a large box was delivered. In it were gifts from my team and others in the company, and so many lovely notes and messages. It might have been the kindest thing I’ve received in all of this wretched year of 2020. I laughed as I opened several of the cards, and then began to cry tears of joy and gratitude. I feel so fortunate to work with so many talented, kind, creative, and all around super people. I went to bed, so grateful for this part of my life.

On Friday, I was on a video call when my doorbell rang. Doorbell rings are a rare occurrence now. I excused myself from the call, and opened the door to a dozen warm Duck Donuts. Oh, be still my beating heart.

I took a picture to share with the team, then ate a warm donut (or two), and again thought how lucky I am to be surrounded by such generous people. A little bit later the doorbell rang again, and when I opened the door, there was a beautiful plant in a gorgeous blue and white ceramic planter. And a box of amazingly delicious cookies from a bakery in NY.

Again, that night I went to bed so grateful for kind co-workers and the fortune to have landed at Automattic when I did.

And then on Saturday when Mom and I arrived home after our walk around the lake, there was a gorgeous bouquet of flowers from one of my favorite vendors, Carolina Flowers. At this point I was overwhelmed, so much gratitude for so many people in my life.

And then on Sunday, Larry the postal carrier brought two packages to the porch as Mom and I were rocking in our respective rocking chairs. One filled with Dandelion chocolates from San Francisco (oh, how I miss the Mission), and the other with a cookbook, Soul Food for Love, and a book of poetry.

Life can be really hard. And life can be filled with wonderful surprises that you never expected or anticipated. And all offer moments to be grateful. I’m truly overcome.