Thanks

It’s time for my all time most favorite holiday – Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving for many reasons - being with those I love the most, eating home-cooked delicious meals, and taking time to express thanks.

A Thanksgiving tradition in my family is to pass around a small notebook and jot down the things for which you’re most thankful. I’m not sure when Cynthia started this tradition, but it’s been a good one. It’s a lot of fun to look back through everyone’s entries over the years. Some are really witty (my Aunt Barbara). Some are embarrassing (most of mine!). Some are poignant (Ellen’s last entry saying she was most thankful for being a wife and mother). But all are priceless and deeply cherished.

Since I won’t be with my side of the family for Thanksgiving this year, I thought I’d just use my blog as that little notebook, or “book of blessings.” Here goes -

1. My amazing husband. (He doesn’t read this blog, and would be mortified, or at the very least rolling his eyes right about now). But I can’t help it. The more I’m with him the more thankful I am to share my life with such a wonderful man.

2. My beautiful daughter. She is a complete delight and I love watching her grow.

3. Our health. It’s something I take for granted, but I am soooo thankful.

4. My family. All the wonderful mix - the biological, the step, the in-laws - my life wouldn’t be as rich without each of them in it.

5. My friends. I know it’s a girl thing, but I LOVE my girlfriends. They make me a better person and my life just plain fun!

6. My job. During this economic crisis, I am especially thankful for the blessing of being able to work and support my family at a job I enjoy.

7. The basic comforts – food, shelter, fear from want.

8. My country.

9. My freedoms.

10. My life.

My list is pretty boring really. But that’s OK. Basically, I think we’re all most thankful for the things in life that we don’t deserve, earn or even expect.

It’s good to take a few moments to sit back and think about all of the blessings that surround me everyday. And then not just count my blessings, but take the time to truly be thankful, to be grateful, and humbled by all of the good fortune that surrounds me.

Thanks.