Dotchi's Top 10 Thanksgiving Blessings

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated the fourth Thursday each November in the United States and the second Monday of October in Canada. It is a time to spend with family and friends stuffing your face with the traditional turkey and express gratitude in general. Leaving politics and religion aside, I made a list of my top 10 things to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. I find these things bless my life and make it worth living.

Thanksgiving Blessing #1: My Children

They have been there with me through thick and thin, stood by my side, gave me a shoulder to cry on, supported my writing career and made me laugh through it all. I have been there for them as well, but knowing that they are there for me just as much makes all the difference. All those breakfasts in bed, stories, help with housework and caring for me when I was sick make my children a true Thanksgiving Blessing.

Thanksgiving Blessing #2: My Family

This last year has been a rough transition for me and my family has been there for me through it all. They have stood by me through thick and thin, supported me, made me laugh and loved me unconditionally. For this, I am truly grateful! My family is a true blessing for this Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Blessing #3: Friends

Good friends are hard to find sometimes. But once you have them, hold on to them because they are priceless. Thank you to all my friends who have stood by me, made me laugh, did stupid things with me and make my life wonderful every day. And thank you even more for not posting that on Youtube. THAT is a real Thanksgiving Blessing.

Thanksgiving Blessing #4: The Mass on my Liver

You're probably confused, right? Yes, this was a blessing! I recently found out I had a mass on my liver and about a week later found out there wasn't a mass at all. I just have an enlarged liver. But during that week I really had a chance to think through my life. I didn't know if it was cancer or something easy to fix like an abscess and I planned for the worst just in case. Thankfully it was nothing major but I got the chance to see what it is like to think you might die soon. I have had the chance to rethink my life choices and put everything in perspective. I can honestly say, I am happy with my life. But, I will definitely double my efforts with my writing career. This last week has been a hidden Thanksgiving Blessing.

Thanksgiving Blessing #5: Air Conditioning

I have never been so happy about air conditioning! I lived without it for two years and I forgot how wonderful it is to have it, especially with a heat allergy. Crank it 60 and let's cheer for Air Conditioning, another Thanksgiving blessing.

Thanksgiving Blessing #6: Home cooked food

With an enlarged liver and a swollen duodenum, my diet has become quite restricted. Brown rice and steamed vegetables are the staple of my diet. It really makes me appreciate a plate of good home cooked food.

Thanksgiving Blessing #7: Modern Medicine

Not that I am against non-modern medicine or anything. But having the chance to kill the excruciating pain I have been experiencing is a blessing that some people will never understand and I hope they never do. But one dose of strong medicine makes life a little more bearable and makes it easier to be thankful for the precious things in life.

Thanksgiving Blessing #8: San Diego Neighborhood Home School

San Diego Neighborhood Home School in Ocean Beach, California. While independent home school is legal, we chose this Charter School to help home school our children. They supply the material for us, support us and guide us through everything. They have helped our traveling family have the home school experience we longed for as a family. Thank you doesn't begin to cover it!

Thanksgiving Blessing #9: My home

I have been homeless before and try not to take having a roof over my head for granted. I really do have a luxury with a home with electricity, running water, hot water and a flushing toilet. I am living the life of luxury that many people can only dream of. For that, I am truly grateful.

Thanksgiving Blessing #10: Poise Pads

Lets just say I am very grateful for those too. 'Nuff said.

On this Thanksgiving Day I hope you will share your top 10 things you are grateful for. Be thankful for everything in life. Even ailments may bring blessings in disguise.