Be Grateful

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  My family gathers and enjoys simple, reflective time with one another.  Life is busy and hectic and there are too few days where the main point/tradition is to sit down, shut up, and just appreciate all that you have.  The food is good, too.

I don't remember being taught to show thanks, but I was.  My family was not well off when I was young and there were many kind and compassionate people that helped us along.  Some were family, some were friends, some were anonymous.  We were far from destitute, but there were times that we did need help.

The time I remember most was the holiday season just after my dad had heart surgery and started dialysis. He was not able to work and things were not great financially.  I was already an adult at that point and I was not living at home, but so many people were wonderful to my parents and my younger brother.  One neighbor hung lights on their house.  Another offered to watch their dog.  Anonymous people dropped by with food, money, gifts, etc.  It was amazing to see so many people willing and eager to help someone in need.

I have much to be grateful for.  I have good health. A great job.  A loving and supportive family.  Trusted friends.  A relationship with God.  Talents.  This year has brought some changes with it.  My brother and sister-in-law had a surprise addition to their family. I had a promotion at work. Two, actually.  We bought a new car. And we can see the light at the end of our debt-tunnel.  I have been blessed, challenged, trusted, and loved.

Life is good.

(easiest Thanksgiving sign ever -- hot glue letters to the sign, paint or stain, and enjoy)