The things I am thankful for

I have been waiting to write this particular blog for a few weeks, letting it get just a bit closer to Thanksgiving, however, the time has come that I must share as my heart is full.

The biggest thing I am most thankful for is my family:
My loving husband who loves me despite myself, who puts up with my moods and my idiosyncrasies, who always lets me pick the movie for date night (even if he truly does not want to watch it), and who usually lets me win (whether it be a game or an argument). I have loved him for 21 years and am amazed as to how much this grows daily.

My wonderful children. This year has been a really rough one concerning my kids. We, being the strong family we are, have worked through all of this and have found new faith and have actually built a stronger family unit. I would not be half the woman I am without my children. They are me as I am them. I would give my life for them. I would protect them to the end. I will not, under any circumstances, let people speak untruths about them or hurt them unjustly in any way. I will forever forgive them for anything they do. I will never not speak to them or push them out of my life. Garrick, my son, my first born, I love you. Natalie, my daughter, my sweet baby girl, I love you.

The rest of the family! This year has been a pretty good year as far as the rest of the family is concerned. I have reconnected with family who I love, who I lost years and years ago. Cousins who I thought wanted nothing or little to do with me or my family. My heart rejoices with thoughts of my extended family. I have smiled and cried all in the same setting. I have thought back to my youth and have felt young again. I have discovered that 20+ years lost can be made up in a heartbeat with memories that can last for a lifetime. My parents and brother and his family are truly people that I know I cannot live without in my life. Though there may not always be agreement among us, there is always an underlying love. Coming from a smaller family, I am so very thankful for my husband's larger one! I have brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews who I have truly come to love as my family. I am just but a small branch on the tree of family.

My dear friends. This year has been rather hard and I have, for the first time ever, grown to rely on friends. I have put trust in people which has not been easy for me. I have laughed with them, cried with them, been their strength when they needed me, and I have let them carry me when I needed them. Abraham Lincoln once said, "The better part of one's life consists of his friendships." If my friends are any indication of wealth, I am indeed rich beyond compare.

The list could go on and on and on. I have a roof over my head and food on my table. I have the knowledge of life hereafter and faith. My husband has the means to support his family. I have the ability to see my children grow and love. I live in a country that is free. I sleep in a warm bed at night. There are certainly more gifts in my life than I even knew possible. Some might say that the grass is always greener...but, those are the people who don't take the time to look around and love and appreciate those things and those people who are within reach. I am truly blessed.