Counting Three Good Things

During the four years we fought our first son’s cancer, I started asking them what three things they’re grateful for that day before we went to bed. Later, I thought it was easier for my boys to relate if I rephrase it to “What three good things happened today?” So I started that habit.

Both of the boys enjoyed it, and we shared three good things every night. This helped us focus on the positive aspects during the chemo therapy, recurrence, second year of chemo, palliative care, and eventual death. I remember my first son was always good to find good thins every day.

My 6 year-old second son loves this habit, and when I forget to ask him at night, he asks me “What three good things happened to you?” in Korean to me. So, it is our Mom and Son bonding time before he goes to sleep. He shares three, and I share three.

Nowadays, he speaks broken English to my husband, and asks him in English “Sam Appa, three good things!” My son cannot understand my husband’s answers, so he makes sure I listen to my husband’s answers and translate them for him. After hearing the answers, my son feels so satisfied and goes to sleep happily.

I’m grateful my second son loves this habit, and he asks me the question first when I forget. It’s a simple question but has a very powerful impact. He is doing it at the age of 6 (actually he started younger), so why not adults? It’s a great way to end your day, and amazing way to communicate with your children, or any family members or significant other.