Many Things to be Thankful For

Two years ago today, I was sitting in a hospital waiting room waiting for Mom to come out of surgery. She was having a cancerous tumor removed from her breast. This was easily the scariest day of my life. As I sat there with my family, a million questions were going through my head. A million worries. 

Making it through that awful day (and the two scary years that followed), I’m here to say that there is much to be thankful for. With Thanksgiving upon us, I thought I’d share just a few of the many things I’m thankful for this year (in no particular order). Some serious, some not-so-serious, but all things I deeply appreciate.

1. My family. Sure, this usually makes the top of most lists, but reflecting on where we were two years ago, this makes it with more meaning than ever for me. We’ve been through a lot, but we’ve made it through with laughter. We have fun together and we keep each other strong. 

2. Cory. Okay, so he falls under the “family” category, but I think he also needs a category of his own. It’s no secret that I’m crazy about this guy. He makes my life better. He makes it complete. 

3. Bare Escentuals makeup. I can wake up looking like yesterday’s meat, and this miracle powder will leave my face looking a’ight. It’s a miracle, I tell ya! ;)

4. My car. Aren’t automobiles awesome?! They take us where we need to go. They offer a safe place to sing at the top of our lungs. And they reflect our unique styles and personalities. It may come across as shallow to be thankful for things like makeup and cars, but these are things I use everyday. Things I appreciate everyday. And while I know there are things far more important in life, I’m sure grateful for the little things as well.

5. My camera. Wow! I honestly can’t imagine a world without cameras. They’re memory preservers. As one who has serious memory issues (thanks a lot, immune system), I place a huge amount of value on the snapshots I have of moments past. 

6. Friends. My extended family, my friends make my life richer. They bring different perspectives into my world. They offer support. They’re always a phone call or a text away. They bring much laughter and light into my life. If my life looked like a patchwork quilt, they’d each represent a unique pattern. A beautiful thread combination. A spot of warmth. 

7. Good doctors. I’ve had my share of bad docs, which makes me all the more grateful for the good ones. The ones who see patterns where others missed them. Docs who take the time to listen. Docs who actually care about you and want to help improve your quality of life. 

8. Facebook. Many of the aforementioned items on my list can be found in this one gigantic book o’ faces. In one stop, I can find out some of the latest news and happenings going on in the life of my friends and family, I can meet and connect with new friends, and I can offer and find support. It really is quite marvelous!

9. My job. When I grow up, I want to play with paper... Sure, this sounds like something a cute little kid might say, but it doesn’t sound like a reality. I’m so lucky it has become mine. My job offers me the opportunity to create on an almost daily basis, whether I’m creating articles, visuals for those articles, or new products and ideas. It takes me to new areas of the country. This year alone, I visited Portland, Anaheim, St. Louis, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Seattle, NYC, and Denver. Awesome! But, more important than any task or trip, my job has brought literally 100s of wonderful people into my life. Some of these beautiful friends are across the aisle from me on a daily basis and others are across the world, but they’re all beautiful additions to my life. 

10. Airport screening. Okay, this is a little joke. As you can see from #9, I travel on a pretty regular basis. And while I’m not exactly a fan of airport screening, I sure do value the added comfort and peace of mind it offers. Am I fan of prying eyes viewing my bits behind a computer screen? No way! Would I rather that than be on a plane with Mr. Underwear Bomber? You bet! For that I say, Thank you, TSA!

11. You. I appreciate you taking the time to read this odd gratitude grouping. I wish you and yours much love, happiness, and joy today and always! 

Cheers!