Why I'm Thankful on Thanksgiving 2009

Each year at Thanksgiving I am grateful for having enjoyed another year living in the U.S.A., the greatest country in the world. I look around me and feel blessed by my abundance of food, shelter, health, family and the nonessential but comforting material possessions that make life more enjoyable.

The greatest blessing of all is my family. Having a caring, helpful husband and two healthy children is more than I ever expected to achieve in life.

Something that I am silently thankful for everyday but only verbalize once a year on September 11^th is that none of my family members, co-workers or friends perished on that fateful day in 2001. I live in the suburbs of New York City and thousands of people from neighboring communities (and two friends of my sister's) didn't come home from work on 9/11.

I am thankful for my ability to earn a living and contribute, with my husband, to the financial well-being of our household. It's expensive to raise children and although we don't spoil them, my kids have never felt deprived of the simple childhood wishes and wants they have such as karate lessons, Montessori pre-school (Mom & Dad's desire), video games, movie outings and family vacations. For that, I am thankful.

Last but not least, I am thankful that I discovered Associated Content back in January 2008. AC has helped me to discover and nurture my long hidden creative ideas. AC lets me receive feedback and encouragement from other content producers and readers. Not only does AC allow me to practice my writing in a public setting, but the earnings from my writing are contributed to the family's emergency fund.

I am truly blessed in life and intend to let my dear family members know it on Thanksgiving. My life is abundant with everything we need and a little more. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!