2009 - I Have Much to Be Thankful for This Year

Many folks are taking time to give thanks for all the good in their lives. I have a lot to be thankful for in 2009. What follows is the abbreviated list.

My husband's son and grandson where hit by lightning while fishing this year and both survived. My stepson had back surgery to fix a lightning related injury. He's expected to eventually make a full recovery. His son is in his senior year of high school, taking college level courses and working in the evenings. He had extensive burns that have all healed with no scarring.

I'm thankful for the Iraq War veteran who pulled my stepson from the water so he didn't drown, and cared for our grandson until the ambulance arrived.

Our daughter-in-law had to care her for two injured fellas, and came through like a champ. I'm thankful that she and her folks were there for them.

We've had many family events in 2009 for which I'm thankful: weddings, graduations, a vacation trip, reunions. It is so wonderful to visit with family, especially those who live far away, whom we haven't seen for years.

I have a handful of friends to whom I turn when I'm feeling low or in need of advice. They are always thanking me for what I do for them. I think I get the better end of the bargain.

I'm glad for the technology that allows me to enjoy a work-at-home career and funny jokes in my inbox.

I'm thankful for our home and the fact that we have a roof over our heads and food just about any time we're hungry.

My vegetable garden succumbed to heat and insects this year, yet I'm thankful for the exercise and learning experience... and a tasty, if meager, harvest.

I'm thankful that I haven't gained any weight this year... so far.

I'm very thankful that this year we didn't have any severe tropical weather where I live.

I'm thankful for a rural lifestyle where I can get in touch with the natural world on a daily basis. I get to enjoy the sunshine while I'm hanging clothes on the line. I get a feeling of accomplishment from doing repairs on fences and equipment all by myself. I love tending to the horses, taking care of them in exchange for watching them just standing there, being magnificent.

Most of all, I want to give thanks for my very best friend, my dear husband. He puts up with my moods and whims. He laughs at my jokes. He eats my kitchen experiments and gives me his honest opinion. He smiles even when dealing with his own chronic pain. He gives me my space when I need it. He holds me close when I need a hug. He'd spoil me if I'd let him. We agree on almost everything. I'm thankful for his love, in 2009 and always.