10 Things I’m Thankful For

The year of 2011 has been a year filled with great change. 

In January I was given a promotion at work and moved to an Underwriting position at the company I work for.  In February we prepared to move into the first rent house the kids and I have ever shared on our own.  It was a big step for us as a family.  At the end of the school year my youngest daughter went to youth camp with her school to Austin which was a first for her.  At the end of June my dad had surgery on a hernia and came through with flying colors.  In July, my oldest daughter took and passed her driving test and became an official designated driver.   In September, ten days after his birthday, my dad passed away suddenly.  A week later my uncle (dad’s brother) also passed away.   In October I was promoted again to work in the finance department at the company where I work.  Last week, I lost a good friend and amazing person I knew from my church.

This Thanksgiving has been a celebration of making it through another year as a family.  It has, in some ways, been somewhat bitter-sweet too.  This is the first Thanksgiving after my aunt’s passing around Christmas last year as well. 

If I can take a moment, I would like to say that this year I am thankful for:

1. The time we had with my dad.  My kids got to experience and to know their grandparents. 
2. I’m thankful that I have two beautiful, highly creative and talented girls that I love more than life its self.
3. I’m thankful that I have work that I can do every day to provide for my family and pay the bills.
4. I’m thankful for the friends that are so much like family, they have listened, supported, cared for and helped us through the tough times.
5. I’m thankful for my brother, his wife and their wonderful family.
6. I’m thankful for the military men and women who sacrifice and fight for freedom daily, even though most people, (including me) sometimes take it for granted.  They are not forgotten.
7. I’m thankful that my dad and my uncle were Navy men and were proud to fight for their country.
8. I’m thankful that I grew up in a Christian home and was given a firm foundation, morals and understanding of what’s right and wrong to build on.
9. I’m thankful I inherited artistic and creative writing talents that I enjoy daily.
10. Most of all I am thankful that I live in a place where I can share my views with people who I care about and with people who I have not met yet.  America is a great country and I am proud to be an American.

I am not sure what other changes lie in store for the rest of this year, or what 2012 will bring.  I only know that with the prayers and love of the people in my life….I’m ready, I’m strong enough, and sure that we can handle it.  The future is ever brighter and it’s an exciting time to be alive.  I am grateful to be here and to be able to experience new things each day.