Being Thankful

I think that the pure fact that I have no idea how to begin this post signifies that I have so much to be thankful for that there is no start and no finish.  Of course there are always those days where you have to remind yourself that you are blessed, but those days are few and far between and honestly I deserve a kick in the seat to ever not remember how lucky I am.  

As we get to an age where our parents and families are getting older, I am most thankful that my immediate family is happy, healthy, and above all loving, supportive and close. Though if you ask me this same question after Christmas break, I may have a different reaction, I love my family and am so blessed to have them in my life.  I don't know who or where I would be without my mother and father, and every day that I come closer to having my own family, I just hope and pray that I can do half the job that my parents did with Kyle and me.  Speaking if Kyle and not realizing that everything works out for the best at the time... brother, I am happy that I got you instead of a puppy when I was 5 years old :)  You have brought me more joy and laughs and pride than I ever knew was possible!  

In addition to my immediate family, I am now blessed to be starting my own family.  One year ago I never would have dreamed that my life would take a turn to put me in the position that I am in today, but boy am I happy and grateful that it did.  I never knew that a man as patient and loving and thoughtful as Ron existed, and that on top of that our lives would so flawlessly come together to start our own journey!  I am thankful for Ron every minute of every day, and I am thankful that God has given us little Al!  SO LUCKY!

I am thankful that in a week and a half we have over 50 friends coming to celebrate the revealing of baby Al's gender with us.  I am not one to keep friends around just for the sake of accumulating acquaintances, and Ron is not either, so all of those coming are dear friends to us, and we could not be more thankful to have the love and support that you all have provided us over the years and especially over the past several months.  THANK YOU!  

Any hardships that have occurred in my life have been brought about because of decisions that I have made or paths that I have chosen to take.  I don't think that many people can say that, and I recognize how fortunate that makes me.  With that being said, I am so thankful for the hard times, because they have made me a much more understanding, empathetic person, as well as taught me to appreciate the smaller things in life.  

When it comes down to it, I would be thankful for the bare basics that I have this holiday season, a loving family, food on the table, and a roof over my head; but I have so, so much more!  Thank you everyone, for being part of my life, and know that you are my biggest blessing in life and my family will ALWAYS be here for you .... to be thankful with you, and to remind each other of our blessings when times get tough.  Happy Thanksgiving!