Thanksgiving 2009, Things to Be Thankful For

In a time when many are struggling to keep their homes, and provide for their families, it's easy to lose site of what we should be thankful for. Even if it's as infrequent as once a year, it's nice to sit and reflect on those things which we should be thankful for. The things I'm most thankful for are:

1. My boys. Being the mother of Shawn and Ethan has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Watching them grow from babies to boys, has been a wonder. I'm thankful they still love to give their mother hugs and kisses several times a day. They are healthy, generally good boys, who make a mother proud. I wouldn't want a life without them.

2. My mother. Though she wasn't in my life long enough, she died at the age of 37, I was 19, I still think of her everyday. The month of May is especially difficult, since that is the month of her birth, death, and Mother's Day. I would give anything to have her back with me, but I have learned to appreciate the time I had with her. She was a special woman, and I was a lucky girl, to have her as my mom.

3. My health, and the health of my family. Losing my mother at a young age, makes me appreciate the good health that my family and I currently possess. Good health has allowed me to play with my sons daily, while working and keeping up with a demanding schedule.

4. My home. It's nothing remarkable, a raised ranch with 3 bedrooms, but it's home to my family. I'm thankful we have somewhere to live that provides us running water, and the basic necessities. It's the only home my boys have known, and I'm grateful they've been able to live here all their lives. They've built close friendships, while remaining in the same school system. My past was very different, we moved a lot. In 6^th grade alone, I went to three different schools. I realize how important stability is to a child, and I'm glad I've been able to give that to my boys.

5. My job. In a time of record unemployment, I'm thankful I have a job that allows me to provide the basic things for my family. I'm fortunate to have healthcare and other benefits, when so many others do not.

The current economic crisis has allowed me to appreciate the little things, because quite frankly at the time, that's all I can afford, the little things. The good news is, life is full of wonderful little things.