Gratitude

Each day this month, I've had several friends post one thing (to their Facebook account) that they are thankful for.   When it first started four weeks ago, I thought it was a great idea - remembering each day that there are small blessings in our lives - especially when it is so easy to lose sight of that. 

I even thought that I would like to do it.  Surely I could come up with 30 things.  But somehow the beginning of the month became the middle, then it was Thanksgiving, and now, it's practically December without a single post.   

This hasn't been my best year but we are heading into my favorite time of the year.  Outside of the commercialism of Christmas, I love everything about the season.   But before I go there, I wanted to remind myself of all the things I have to be thankful for. 

And so, here it goes.

I am thankful for... 


1.  ... my son and daughter, who have enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined before I became a mother.

2.   ... the more than two years that Cathy has been seizure-free without medication (and the more than five years in total).

3.  ... the opportunity to volunteer in the kid's classrooms.

4.  ... my mother, who I appreciate so much more now that I am a mother too.

5.  ... supportive friends.

6.  ... a husband who is more loving and understanding and forgiving than I deserve.

7.  ... finding and sticking with an exercise routine that not only works for me, but that I really enjoy.

8. ... each of the fantastic memories I made with the kids this summer.

9.  ... that my father lived nearly all of his 82 years in good health, that he maintained his independence until the very end.

10. ... the support services available to Cathy as a kindergarten student.

11.  ... the very basic things in life - a roof over my head, clothes to keep me warm, food when I am hungry.  Far too many people go without these things.

12.  ... my step-father's retirement earlier this year - nobody has worked harder or deserved it more.

13.  ... the year I've spent with the kids, which while not always a smooth ride, is one I wouldn't trade for anything.

14.  ... Shutterfly.

15.  ... good medical insurance.  Another thing I know too many people don't have.

16.  ... Consignment sales.  Where else can I find reasonably priced Gymboree clothes for my little girl while unloading all the toys that are no longer played with here at home?

17.  ... one more year where my kids still believe in the magic of Christmas, the tooth fairy, the Easter Bunny.

18.  ... corrective lenses.  I'd be lost (and mostly blind) without them!

19.  ... time spent with family.  Both immediate and extended. 

20.  ... good running shoes.  Worth every penny.

21.  ... a little boy who completely gets my sarcasm.

22.  ... kids that still want to cuddle me, hug me, and tell me they love me for no reason.

23.  ... everyone who worked for my parents this year to help them finish their farmhouse in Potter County and for the hope that they'll soon be able to enjoy their retirement there.

24.  ... Facebook, which has helped me find, reconnect, and stay in touch with friends and family.

25.  ... After One Crazy Summer, which gives me an outlet to write, keeps me sane through an unemployment that has lasted much longer than I would have liked, and gives me a great record of how I've spent my time with the kids!

26.  ... hot water.... something you don't really appreciate until your hot water heater is shot and you have only 30 seconds to take a shower.

27.  ... Girl's Nights Out.

28.  ... the kind of friend where 20 years can pass, but yet is still as familiar and comfortable and easy to talk to as you remember.

29.  ... a little girl who finds joy in EVERYTHING that she does and in turn helps me do that too.

30.  ... running races, which keep me motivated to train, and good friends to keep me company while I do it.

So, there you have it.  The first 30 things to come to mind.  One for each day in November. 

The best thing though is this.  If the month had 40 days, I could have kept going!