ABC's of Thankfulness

So, honestly, this Thanksgiving was really hard.  Not only was my family spread all over the country, but the part of my family that was together wasn't exactly getting along.   In spite of the potential for drama - our Thanksgiving was remarkably uneventful - it was the waiting for the other shoe to drop that made it so hard. 

So - in the spirit of Thanksgiving - I decided to focus on all the things I have in my life that I should be grateful for..... so here goes.... an alphabet of thankfulness (not in any particular order) to remind me of all the blessings I have in my life!

Eyes and ears that work.  I've noticed lately that my eyes aren't working as well as they used to.  In fact.... I had to break down and buy some of those... "cosmetic" glasses at 1.25 magnification "just to make it easier to see my homework". In addition .... "what?" seems to be becoming a big part of my vocabulary lately and not because I'm not paying attention but I just don't seem to hear what people are saying the first time as often as I used to.  I guess this growing older thing creeps up on us all - but it's made me appreciate how fortunate I am to have eyes and ears that, for the most part, work well.  There are so many people around me that cope with difficulties in hearing and seeing every day and manage to make it through their days with no complaints.  It is something I need to remind myself when I find my heart lacking in gratitude.

Cars- I am really grateful to have a working car right now. Although we are going through a time where all of our cars are systematically breaking down (my maxima is parked with ignition coil issues, the pt cruiser just had $600 worth of work done, the truck has a blown head, my daughter's car is currently in the shop with an estimate of $600 for power steering issues etc and my husbands car leaks water on his feet - - -we think it's the heating coil... which the shop has estimated will be around $600 - really?  I think they should get a little creative on the price... on the less than $600 side for a change - but what do I know?..) - still  - I am so glad we have our cars to get us where we need to go.  Just being without them for a day or two makes me realize just how much we depend on them to give us the freedom to come and go.  I feel so fortunate to have so many vehicles (even though they are all limpin along) between the driving adults in our family. 

FRIENDS (and Family)- Ok - all you people out there - you made my list of things I'm thankful for - and really - I need to put you in front of Cars - but I guess I need my car so I can come see you - but then - without you I'd be locked away in a little rubber room with my matching "hug myself" jacket  - with absolutely no need of a car... so - - Well - thanks to all of you who stick by me during my daily life of drama and mayhem.  I love you all and am so thankful to have you in my life.

ICECREAM - ok - really - I can think of other things that start with "I" to be thankful for - but can you think of anything better?  My crunch and heath klondike's have gotten me through a really stressful summer and I am extremely grateful!  : )

My Mom and Dad - every day with my parents is such a gift.  I remember when I was a kid and took having parents for granted.  Now I look around at other people my age and realize just how lucky I am to have two parents that love each other so sweetly still in my life.  I am so very thankful to share my days with them.

Home - I look around at my home and feel so very blessed.  Not only do I have a roof over my head this Christmas, but God has been so good to me to give me a wonderful home that I love.  I pray for those people who are struggling right now and hope that the new year will be one of new beginnings and better situations for so many people that have had a rough 2010.

Squirrels - my funny furry friends.  Yes - you'll see pictures on my blog of how much I love these little critters - they've filled my days with such delight.  Their crazy antics on my back porch as they chase each other around my deck and up and down the trees in my back yard.  I swear the reincarnation of napoleon** has taken the shape of a squirrel and eats corn on my back porch rail every day!  It brings a smile to my heart!

Quiet morning walks - This summer I had the pleasure of getting up early and walking by the lake.  The total freedom of being awake when many people were still in bed, of breathing the early morning air - of watching the sun rise over the lake, was such a gift.  It's been many years since I've been able to take the time for myself in the morning.  Just an hour with the dogs before the days craziness started.  I enjoyed it tremendously.

Katie - my sweet little girl - of course I'm thankful for her, every day  - even the hard ones.  She's not so little anymore and getting more grown up by the minute - which just makes each day more precious than the one before.

Love -  I am so grateful for those people in my life that love and care for me and that I have in my life  to love and care for back.  Life can be such a lonely place.  We have to reach out and hold on to those friends and loved ones around us and make sure they know how we feel.  Don't let a day go  by without telling the people you love how you feel!

Washing machine - my bathroom plumbing went out this summer and my washing machine (which drained through the same pipes)  was then out of commission for a couple weeks while my husband re-ran the plumbing - I can't tell you how grateful I was to get my washing machine back!  We are so spoiled in this country to be able to wash our clothes whenever we want.  I don't ever want to take that for granted!