I am Thankful.

this lovely quilt was given to me by a volunteer that I work with.

Every year, at Thanksgiving; my step-family gets in a big ‘ol circle, hold hands, says a prayer and then each person shares what we are thankful for. I used to dread this tradition because I could never seem to think of just the right thing to say, and I was a little shy (That side of my family is HUGE). Now, that I am older and I see that yet another family holiday is being turned into marketing scheme, a reason to spend money; I see the value in this little tradition. It’s important in an era of “I want” and “I need” to reflect on what you do have; and what you are thankful for.

I am thankful for:

• Health insurance which allows me to afford the drugs that will cure my Hepatitis C.
• My Daddy, who gives the best hugs in the whole wide world and who I will always call Daddy.
• Tommy, who can make me laugh, even while I am crying.
• My Seester because she sings me songs and sends my sad-face high fives when I am having a bad day.
• My big sister, who is my constant cheerleader and is coming over to help with laundry on Sunday, (bless her).
• My friends, who send me cards to cheer me up and always have my back, no matter what. (Shout out to Christy, Cathleen and Stephy for being particularly awesome.)
• My Momma, for being the emergency giver of rides, and the person who comes over when I am by myself .and experiencing crazy side effects.
• My job, because I have one and because I enjoy it.
• My co-workers and volunteers who have been especially supportive and thoughtful.
• Miss Taden for her I am so happy to see you smile, her nightly snuggles and her happy tail.

If I was never diagnosed with Hepatitis C, I would still be grateful for all these things; but I don’t think that I would really know just how grateful I was or how wonderful these things and people are. Even in the things that try to wreck us, or make us weak. There are blessings. You just have to know where to look.

I wish all of you a happy, healthy, safe and blessed Thanksgiving.