Time to Give Thanks

I still can't believe how quickly Thanksgiving came this year. And I find myself looking to the holiday this year with different thoughts of thanks than I have in prior years. Typically I always looked forward to the tasty turkey, a fluffy serving of stuffing, mashed potatoes and tall glass of vino. And more importantly was always thankful it wasn't me who had to cook and prepare it! But this year while I'm very grateful to be spending the day with my local friends and family, it isn't the meal that has me feeling weepy.

While this was supposed to be the first house-filled Thanksgiving of many, I can't help but be grateful for all the things and people that are a huge part of my life and remind me of how lucky I really am, in spite of loss and sadness.

First and foremost, I can't be more grateful for the love of my husband who not only has shown me his strength as a husband and friend, but also his patience and sacrifice to support our household through this period of transition in our lives. Secondly, I have the most amazing family that I don't think can be topped by any other. Yes, I'm pretty biased. Mom, Dad, Evil Step Mother (just kidding - inside joke between us - she's actually wonderful!), Rich, and Randall: Couldn't ask for more loving and supportive parents - you all have had a tremendous impact on my life - I love you. Third, I am truly blessed to have the local family and friends who not only showed what friendship and love is really about when crisis came head on, but have and will always be a part of Donny and I's life. Stephanie, Andrea, Sylvia, Laura, Victoria, Michelle, Wendy, and several individuals from my husband's unit. As Donny and I move on in this coming year, I will definitely look to the move with hope, excitement and also sadness - I will miss my family here so much. Fourth, I can't forget to give thanks for the love of my red head Pomeranian, Henry. It's amazing how healing that little booger can be - plus he's pretty dang cute! Lastly, I can't forget to give thanks to God for continuing to provide (whether it's easy to see or not) for our household. Through hardship it can be very easy to see only the pain, but I am grateful to be able to recognize how lucky I really am at this point in my life.

From this point going forward, I know that I will always look at Thanksgiving with thoughts of "Thanks". Instead of thoughts of "Can you pass the stuffing?"

                       Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!