Truly Thankful

Today is Thanksgiving Day. Another reason to update my Grateful List.

My children are at the top of my list. I found myself in awe so much of the time watching them grow themselves into adults. I was sort of a guide but they had the instinct and stamina it took to be my children and to love me with my failings and what appeared to be mistakes. They always knew I loved them beyond description, accepted them unconditionally, accepted the role of single parent and always made the best of it. To hear them describe their childhoods, they thought I did a good job. Amen.

My friends are next on my list. I have a few over fifty year friends who still love me even knowing me through my stupid times. I have a dear friend for over 20 years who lives too far away but has been a life saver and sees me through rose colored glasses. And the close friends I have developed here in my new town over the last three years are awesome. What a blessing to be "just me" with them and be in a family of loving friends and never feel alone with my children so many miles away. Thanks for all my friends.

My blog friends are next on my list. I think I began blogging in 2005. Did I ever imagine that I would have the blessing of making friends online at that time? No. No idea at all. Through the blogging years we have shared sadness and joy, been there in ways we couldn't describe to a non-blogger, building stronger ties each year. Three blogging cheers for my loving and caring blogging buddies around the world!

I am grateful for the various people who have come in and out of my life. I learned lessons from so many people who have helped me on my journey of growth and healing and education and eye opening jolts. I hope I may be some part of other people's journeys and play some part in their healing and growth as well.

Of course, I am grateful to have a safe place to live, a loving cat Lola, comfortable furniture, a great computer, good food, books, music, and a low maintenance vehicle.  More importantly, I appreciate having good health, good eyes, good hearing, and a fairly decent mind.

Thanksgiving Day is being spent with my good friends at their home in the country, taking it easy and each of us doing what we want during the day. I made lasagna using strips of zucchini instead of pasta, and a pumpkin pie. This coming Saturday their children and grands will be all over their house and yard and it will be a fun and full family Thanksgiving gathering, with a traditional meal,  which I am blessed to be part of.

Happy Thanksgiving, dear family and friends. I hope your Grateful List is one that you reflect upon many times throughout this coming year. And may I be part of that list as well. Hugs to each of you.