Thankful at Thanksgiving

It is here again. It is time for the holiday where no one is competing. It is the holiday with traditions and without pressure. This is the time where we can step back and look at all the good things that we have, or that have happened to us in the last year. I remember being asked to say grace at the Thanksgiving Dinner table. I took that responsibility seriously and polished up a prayer until I thought it was right. Now that I am older (much) I realize that I probably made some grins as children do. Today, I still have many of the same blessings - family and friends. But there are other things that I had then and have now. I appreciate more than I did as a kid.

My health is pretty good and is no longer taken for granted. My home falls into that category too. With the economy in crisis, I am grateful to be able to have the end of mortgage payments in sight. It is warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and way too full of things. Although the cats have changed, I am still glad they are here, helping me as I type. I am so glad that we have our son. He is a real treat. Sometimes that is good, and sometimes not so much. I think that is how kids are supposed to be.

Friends have come and gone, but I am blessed with friends that I quilt with or make lace with. Many of the lacemakers, I have known for over twenty years. They have seen me at my best and at my less than best. We have watched children grow up, and parents grow old together. My quilting friends are older than I am and help me to see what my future can be, if I am lucky. Their positive attitude and humor brighten even the dreariest Monday. My friends serve as guides and counselors, helping me to stay on an even keel.

I have e-mail friends in California, Florida, Texas and some right here in Pittsburgh. Their e-mails brighten my days. My brother, from Washington State sends me news and pictures via e-mail. It is a way for me to see how his grand children are growing up and what good kids they are. My niece has done a good job with them. I wish I knew them better.

I am thankful for my problems. They could be so much worse. I have the best husband in the world and he shares those problems with me and makes them easier. He gets up early every day and goes to a job that is occasionally a pain. He is patient with everyone, even me. There are not enough words to say what a good guy he is. He is an unsung hero, who is faithful in his behavior, to those ideals that you wish people would have. I am truly blessed.

. I am thankful for the opportunities that we had this year to meet new people and to go to new places. I will never forget attending my first NASCAR Cup Race at Michigan International Speedway, although I didn't get to meet "Big Earl," the man who whispers in my ear as I fall asleep during the cup races. He has such a smooth voice. The races have been a fun part of my weekends since I began to keep my husband company while he watched them. The race was too crowded, but I am glad to have had that experience. I will miss the races until next spring.

I am thankful for my parent, both deceased. My father gave me his sense of mischief, which is not always a good thing. My mother left me her flamingos. My son bought them some clothes. That way we can have the Thanksgiving Flamingo (see picture) and all of the laughter that goes with it

I am grateful for my memory. It is faulty. It forgets the bad and remembers the good. It forgets the times of struggle and remembers the good times. I am sure I have missed some things, but that is my memory again. What a blessing