Giving Thanks

I started off writing an entertaining little ditty about the little things in life that I appreciate, like my dishwasher, pacifiers, and Chap Stick.  After spending Thanksgiving Day with my family, and realizing just what an amazing life I have, I ditched it and started over.  Here is what defines my life.  Here is where my happiness lies.  Here, are my thanks.

My husband is my rock.  He has been my best friend for 13 years, and sometimes he knows me better than I know myself.  He loves me for all that I am (including clumsy) and stands by me even when I am a bonehead.  He builds me up when I do not have enough confidence, calls me out on my shit when I am wrong, and forgives my indiscretions (I steal covers) which happen more than I like to admit.  We take each other with love, flaws and all, and for that I am ever thankful.

My daughter; I do not know how to begin to describe the wonder and amazement that this child has brought to my existence.  Our days are filled with laughter and song.  She has the world at her feet and she relishes the discovery.  She is observant, thoughtful, sweet, vibrant, startlingly clever, my pride and joy.  Life before she entered this world was simply not as bright.

My son, my darling boy; my heart spills with the knowledge that this adorable little person is mine.  He has the sweetest soul.  At the young age of two he is already so giving and kind hearted.  When he hugs me he wraps his tiny arms around my neck and squeezes ever so tightly, as though he never wants to let go.  His easy going nature shines through as he romps through his day, following his sister, gabbing away while he plays.  He pauses to make sure I am watching and gives me a smile that lights up his entire face.  That one little smile can make any wrong in my day melt away in an instant.  His first talent to emerge is the ability to make others happy, just by being near him.

There has been a lot of stress in my life lately.  Changes on the job front, general financial concern, worry over the health of my family, and the recent loss of a loved one has been rattling around in my brain for the better part of the last six months.  All these things have left me feeling overwhelmed, mostly due to what little control I have over each situation.  I could wallow in these stressors, sink deep into fear of the unknown, or I could reread my last three paragraphs and take stock in what I have.  I have a loving family.  We have a beautiful home.  My husband and I for the foreseeable future have stable employment.  We want for nothing.  My children are happy and healthy.  We are all happy and healthy.  I want to remember this the next time I feel my life spinning, and remain thankful for what I have; a wonderful life with everyone I need by my side.