I am thankful for my parents. They are healthy and capable of tearing me a new one when ever I need it. And at 46 I still need to be reminded of the basics now and then. They also love me like nobody's business and adore my husband and children. Really, can I ask for anything more?
I am thankful for all of my in-laws, parents and sisters. Every so often we all hear horror stories of mean, meddling and invasive in-laws ruining marriages, butting in lives and generally making people miserable. Never have I experienced that in almost 19 years of marriage. When any of them visit my family or we visit them they are all gracious, loving and happy to see not only their son/brother but also myself and our boys. We are truly blessed with the relationships we have with them all.
I am thankful for my husband. A man that did not fit my "type" when I met him and yet has lasted with me for almost 19 years of marriage. A friend described us as a "differential equation gone bad" when he found out we had started dating. Yeah, he is my eldest son's Godfather now. Darling husband is my best friend. He works like a dog for our family and has never been anything other than a gentleman to me since I met him. He is my biggest cheerleader and ignores all my gray hair and wrinkles. The man is blind and I love him for that.
I am thankful for my children. Although my high school year book did not have a "Most Unlikely to Reproduce" I was a shoe in for that spot. Surprisingly enough I did reproduce more than once. They have taught me what love really means. They have taught me patience, something I really could not spell before them, and what it means to share. Not something that came natural to me in anyway. Through the struggles and challenges they have faced I have learned compassion and empathy for others. Many days I fail to be my best but they renew me each day. Now I truly understand what it means to say each day is a gift.
I am thankful for the friendships that have been made along the way. Some I have known for 35 years. That is a long time for someone who moved until fifth grade. They say that if you have five true friends in a lifetime you are blessed. I am very, very blessed. They have held my hand during the best and most devastating times in my life. Two even offered to stage a sit in at a school for me. Really, how many people can say that??? I know without any doubt that I can pick up the phone and say I need you here today and they would travel first and ask questions later. I hope that I am as faithful a friend as they have been to me.
I am thankful for my volunteer work. It keeps me sane and on even footing. The old adage that one gets back more than one gives is true. What ever your passion may be in life I highly encourage you to find time to volunteer to serve others. With a hospital, your place of worship or your favorite charity. Yes you will help others just as you expect. But you will also grow in ways you cannot imagine. We are all busy. Carve out some time, you will not regret your decision.
I am thankful for all my new and renewed relationships through Facebook and this blog. Social media has allowed me to look at people with new eyes. Because really, are any of us the same people we were in high school or college? We have all changed and grown, usually for the better and social media allows us to reconnect with our new and improved selves. It also allows us to get to know casual acquaintances and colleagues better. It is possible to develop real friendships though social media. Don't tell my tech husband I said this, but technology is "Way Cool"!!
May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year surrounded by people you love. And don't forget to give thanks in your own way for all your blessings. Even if it is only to say, "I'm thankful I didn't get caught". Let them all wonder what you did.
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