I Give Thanks for the People in My Life

As I sit here in quiet contemplation, reflecting on the many things in my life that I am thankful for, I wonder: There are so many things; where do I even begin?

Like most people, I am thankful that I have a comfortable home to live in, and a decent car to get me where I need to go. But, as I gave thankfulness more thought, I realized that it was the people in my life that I am thankful for; and it is what gives my life one of great quality.

My little Desktop Webster's Dictionary defines 'thankful' as Grateful; impressed with a sense of kindness received, and ready to acknowledge it. To these people, I acknowledge their sense of kindness and love.

My Parents

Not only did my parents give us as comfortable a home as they could afford; they disciplined us when we needed it, and loved us even when we didn't deserve it. They taught us a good work ethic, so that when the time came we could take care of ourselves. I don't remember too many nights as a child, that we did not read a few verses from the Bible, and said our prayers before going to bed. To my parents; I say thank you for the wonderful life that you gave me, and I love you so much.

Nora - my Stepmom

My mother passed away a few years ago, and I missed her so much. Even though I am a grandmother myself, there were times that I needed my mom. When my dad married Nora, she became a true blessing to me. Three years ago I began my recovery from alcoholism. Many times she would come into my room in the middle of the night, and just rub my head; making sure that I was okay. I call her 'stepmom' as a title of honor. She does not replace my mom, but she is a mom to me and I love her very much. Thank you, Nora, for being there for me.

My Husband

When my husband and I married, he truly took his vows 'for better or for worse' seriously. Because we had a seriously ill child for many years, I was an emotional roller coaster. I was not a very easy person to live with, but he was always there for me no matter what. When I went through my period of alcoholism, and then through my period of recovery; he was there waiting for me, at the end.

Steve

Steve is my first born son. He probably had it harder than the other two boys because I was trying to learn to be a mom, while he was learning to grow up. With Steve I learned what unconditional love was.

Keith

I couldn't have had a child that looked just like me, but acted just like his dad. That means he's a good looking, manly sort of man. Seriously though, he has the traits of his father that make him a wonderful man. I'll never forget the year that Keith had his first job. About a week before Mother's Day, Keith made a date with me for lunch on Mother's Day. I thought it was very sweet, but nothing else was said. On the morning of Mother's Day, my husband asked me where I would like to go for lunch. I very sweetly smiled and said, "not this year sweetie, I have a date with Keith. He asked me last week." Never again did my husband take it for granted that I was available for Mother's Day. With three sons, he learned to have much better timing.

Jonathan

He's my baby. Does anything else need to be said? Several years ago I took a second job driving School Bus for extra money, because our medical expenses were so high. My boss was kind enough to give me the route that my kids were on so that they could be with me more. One morning Jonathan was getting off the bus with some of his friends; as he walked past me, he bent over and gave me a big hug and kiss, and said, "Bye mom. I love you." His friends started to tease him, but he replied with, "Hey, I love my mom. I'm sorry if you don't yours." I don't need to tell you I got all teary, but they were definitely tears of joy.

Annette and Kelley

Annette became my sponsor in the Recovery program. I didn't know her very well when I first asked her to be my sponsor, but I always respected what she shared in the meetings. My husband and I separated for a while, when I first went into recovery. We had a lot of issues that needed to be worked out. Annette, and Kelley her husband, took out of their home to help me set up my apartment. When I was having a hard time emotionally; they opened up their home to me to stay as long as I needed. When Annette and Kelley went on vacation, they asked me to stay in their home and take care of it, and their cats. I can't tell you how much it meant to me to have someone trust me again. From that moment on, I loved them as if they were my brother and sister. I pray everyday that God bless their life. I love them so much.

Mike and LeAnn

I met Mike and LeAnn when I first started going to Recovery meetings. They have always been a friend, and never judgmental. Life is hard sometimes, when a person first starts recovery. LeAnn is such a beautiful woman, both inside and out; and she opened her life up to me, so that I could learn to get on with mine. I wouldn't even think of going home for a visit without seeing them. They are so much a part of my recovery, and their friendship means the world to me. I wouldn't be where I am today without them. I hope they know just how much they mean to me.

My Home Group

It is so wonderful to go home for a visit and go by the Recovery meetings. There are a couple of men in particular, M. and J., who between the both of them, have over thirty years of sobriety; and they still go to meetings regularly, so that they can help others in their time of need. They are wonderful people in which to pattern one's behavior after.

Freedom

I have the freedom to go into any house of worship, no matter the faith, and give thanks to God for the people in my life, that give a special meaning to celebrating Thanksgiving.