He's free. Eight years after waving goodbye, Blagojevich walked out of prison. I read that he wore new running shoes that made him almost giddy. They were so much more comfortable than the prison issued shoes he had been wearing. I get it. I'm always giddy when I find a pair of shoes that are comfy. My sister in law showed off her expensive red bottom shoes at a wedding a few years ago. I pulled off my black heels and shouted out that for $40 I found the most comfortable heels ever. Giddy.
He couldn't wait to have a banana split. Lesson here is never forget to indulge. Don't feel guilty. Stick your face in the treat and be grateful you can enjoy the taste of freedom.
While addressing the media, he stood next to his wife and daughters. He told everyone how proud he was of their accomplishments. How beautiful they are. How much they've grown. Be grateful that you have the chance to say this to your own spouse and children. Even if they've done nothing to shout to the media about, let them know you love them and are proud of them.
He told a reporter that he has to find a job because $4 an hour scrubbing pans won't cut it. Be grateful you work and can provide for your family.
I started to write about gratitude the day I saw Blagojevich enter prison. Eight years have passed. I didn't want to look back and wonder what I did all that time. I didn't want to waste it. Blago has read 75 books in that time. He boxed them all and had them shipped home. Not sure if I've read that many, but I did read the Elena Ferrante novels. Probably the most fun I've had. I read them during the polar vortex last winter. In bed.
Blago said that Christmas songs made him sad, and he didn't listen. He couldn't bring himself to watching the Cubs. Some things are too hard for any of us to do. We can't process it, because if we do, the blades are likely to jam. I've had sad things happen over these 8 years. A few that I can't bring myself to think about. I like that he just avoided them.
I've celebrated beautiful events with gratitude. My daughter married a kind man. I had a wonderful time planning with her. My brothers and I took my mom back to her hometown in Europe. It was such a joyful time.
Time flew by. When I think about it, that's the most important lesson I learned. Time just flies. As cliche as it sounds. Blago told a reporter that she and others haven't changed much. I don't think I've changed. But at the very least, I've learned to be grateful for all that I have seen, have experienced, have lived.
Blago said that he's forever grateful to President Trump for commuting his sentence. I'll be forever grateful that I'm Not Blago.
