Eleven Reasons I Am Thankful for 2011(in 3 parts)

--THREE--

I am thankful for my family.

I am thankful to have two wonderful parents that provided me with a wonderful home growing up, and one I can still go to as an adult. The guidance they gave me, and continue to give, has helped me become the strong, independent woman I am today. They have taught me to love, live, and be the best me possible.

I am thankful for my in-laws. M-‘s family couldn’t be a better gang to marry into! Funny, sincere, loving and supportive, they have helped me more than they will ever know, and I am happy to call them family.

I am thankful for my sisters, the super-mom, the “Keep Calm and Carry On”, and the Wolf-Bronte-kahlo-still-figuring it out. They all drive me crazy and help keep me sane at the same time. Each day they amuse, astonish, annoy, and I admire each of them.

I am thankful for my nieces, nephew, and a tiny one on the way. The lessons they teach me abound. When I am with them I am free, funny, silly, creative in ways I never knew existed, and able to see the forest for the trees.

I am thankful for my extended family. A grandmother that loves and gives of herself so freely to me, encourages, spoils and cheers me on. Great-Aunts, aunts, uncles, and cousins that share the love only a family like ours can share. No matter how many months/years go by between visits, I’m still surrounded by love whenever they are around.

I am thankful for those people who aren’t family by blood, but by choice, by the love we share, the experiences that bring us together, and keep us a unit, no matter what.

--FOUR--

I am thankful for my friends.

Both old and new, without these people in my life… well my life would be boring, that’s for sure. I am thankful for the listening, sharing, venting, space, and laughs. I am thankful to have such a wonderful FAMILY of friends.

I have realized everyone I meet isn’t looking for the same kind of friendship I am. I’m learning to accept that, be thankful for the time spent and the kind of friendships we do have. Good friends are very hard to come by and I’ve learned that this is OK.

--FIVE--

I am thankful for my hands.

I am thankful my hands are skilled. I work tirelessly at taking advantage of what I have. They may not be the prettiest, MOST skilled, or perfect in any way shape or form, but they are mine. With my hands I can do anything, paint, climb, lift, draw, hug, caress, pull, push, reach high, make, create, and even destroy. I am thankful for these hands and the doors they will open in my future.

--SIX--

I am thankful for each new day.

Not too long ago a new day was a daunting task that I would have to overcome, or so I thought. Yes, the sun shone, birds sang, and grass grew, but all I saw was grey. I am thankful for a team of more than competent doctors, the magic of medicine and the belief that things can get better.

I am thankful I am no longer ashamed of who I am, of what I have become, of who I am striving to be…ME. I am thankful every morning I wake up.

--SEVEN--

I am thankful to have plenty.

I am lucky to have plenty to eat, plenty to keep warm, and plenty to share. Every time I am able to give something to someone else I am thankful I could.

I am lucky to have a home with a roof and no leaks, heat that keeps me warm, electricity, hot water, and a well taken care of car.

Sometimes I am so wrapped up in my easy life that I forget these aren’t things everyone has. Not everyone goes to bed satiated. Not everyone can afford that gallon of gas, gallon of milk or the heating fuel bill.

I am thankful that I have finally come to realize what is really important in my life, and am able to give so much more freely because of it.