We Are Thankful in 2009

I know that there a lot of people out there that are grumbling about the holidays and about being miserable. They think there is nothing to be thankful for this year. I agree that this year has been turbulent. People everywhere have been forced into suffering and sacrificing many of life's necessities. The economy hasn 't improved, the swine flu has people scared all over, loved ones are still overseas, unemployment is high and people have lost their homes. These are not things to celebrate. I have empathy for those who have had to endure these hardships. Our family has had to endure many hardships too, but we have to look past these things and still be grateful for.

Our family is and always will be on the top of our list. We have been blessed with five amazing children that we are so proud of. As parents of teenagers we often hear how unfair life is and how often these kids say that they hate their parents. We also hear parents constantly complaining about their teenagers. Honestly I have to say that we are extremely lucky to have a great relationship with our kids. They actually talk to us, hug us and tell us they love us. Who could ask for anything more? We are also for our extended family. We are grateful for the parents and grandparents that are still here with us, our brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins and our good friends.

How many of us wake up each day and complain about our aches and pains. Today we need to remember that while we may not be perfect, there are many people out there that are less fortunate than us. I have to be thankful that my husband still has his job. He many have to work more for less, but at least he still has a job. We have struggled this year like many others, but we can't dwell on the negative we have to keep our chin up and be glad for what we do have. We still have our home. Many have lost their homes even many that we know and love. We are thankful we have ours. Times have been tight, but so far we have always had a roof over our heads and food on the table. To ask for any more would be selfish.

This Thanksgiving we will sharing our home, our food and our love with those that are closest to us. We will be missing those that we love that can't be with us and thinking of those who are no longer with us. We will pray for those who are less fortunate and promise not to forget how lucky we are. We wish everyone good health and happiness for the holidays and hope that things get better.