Thankful List 2009: Things I Am Thankful for in 2009

In these hard economic times, I have so many things to be Thankful for this year.

My life had been in a downward financial spiral after my divorce in December 2005. At that time, I had a successful real estate career. My debts from the divorce were looming, but my income was high. When the mortgage industry collapsed in August 2007, this not only caused me to lose the equity in my home, but my income had evaporated also. My life was in shambles, and I had two children to support.

First of all, I am thankful to my mother. She insisted that her two daughters both get a college education. Even though she was brought up in the fifties, she thought a woman should never be dependent on a man. She had watched too many women feel trapped in abusive marriages with no real way of supporting their children. She taught me to be an independent woman. I can never thank my mother enough for giving me this independence.

Secondly, I am thankful to be gainfully employed in these had economic times. After being a stay at home mom/Realtor for over 15 years, I used my Engineering Degree to secure a full time job after the collapse of the real estate market. I survived several layoffs at work this past year, and now the company is much stronger. My job is now more secure, and I can sleep at night. My family is also blessed to have great benefits with my new job including health insurance.

This one has been the hardest. My 14 year old son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes this summer. At least, we were blessed with extraordinary insurance, so I did not have the added burden of stressing about medical bills. His diagnosis was early, so he did not suffer some of the bad side effects. In 1921, the first patient was given insulin prior to this Type 1 diabetes was fatal. I am thankful for the insulin to keeps him alive each day. My new job in engineering took us to Alabama, I am thankful that we are blessed to be accepted in a trial for Type 1 Diabetes at the University of Alabama-Birmingham that is on the cutting edge. He is one of only sixty patients nationwide accepted in the trial. My son is feeling better, and I am thankful for his better health. We would be even more thankful for a cure in 2010.

After a triple bypass in the fall of 2008, my father is finally regaining his health. He looks better each day. My mother is the vision of health at 69 years old. I am thankful to still have both my parents in my life. My parents taught me to work hard & love harder. I am very lucky to have such wonderful parents.

I am blessed to have my two beautiful bright children in my life every day. My children are the reason I can pick myself up after any defeat and continue to endure until I succeed.

Our lives have been blessed with a man in our lives. He is kind & generous. His love is for both my children and for me. We are truly thankful for his love. He makes our lives fuller, and he brings much laughter into our home and hearts.

My finances are also improving. This I owe thanks to Dave Ramsey. He has taught me how to handle my money, and how to correct my past mistakes.

I am thankful that I remained smoke free all year. I quit smoking on November 28, 2008. It is getting easier every day. I feel healthier every day. Thanksgiving weekend 2009 will mark my one year anniversary being smoke free.

Mostly I am thankful that I am a strong woman. I have looked adversity head on & I have proceeded to march right over it to reach my goals.