Remembering to Give Thanks: 12 Things I’m Grateful For

I thought that this year would be different; that I wouldn’t be posting the usual “I’m grateful for X.”

But somehow, this morning, with Thanksgiving Day approaching, I’ve been hit with a sentimental moment. So I’d better strike while the proverbial iron is hot!

Thanks for being here and for reading my blog. Being a writer sometimes feels like I’m yelling into the great unknown black hole. I’m so grateful to have real, live people read and/or  comment on my words, which I hope touch and resonate with you in some way. I’m always happy – and curious –  to read what you have to say, too.

This year, our Thanksgiving will be spent with just our immediate family: me, Alan, Jonathan and Jeremy. We’ll all feast on our holiday meal of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic and bacon, apple pie and ice cream. (Hopefully we won’t be too full to eat dinner, because Alan will no doubt put out too many an array of yummy hors d’oeuvres, served with the requisite glasses of red wine, about an hour before our meal.)

It seems that I grow more grateful with each subsequent year. And well I should. As our so-called midlife marches on, I feel like we’re given the ability to move forward with more confidence, awareness and determination than ever before.

Here are just a few of the things I’m grateful for this year:

• Readers like you!
• Good health and an opportunity to continue to rent and occupy space on this earth
• My husband, Alan, who believes in me and has stood by me through difficult times and cheered me on through victories without complaint or hesitation.
• My sons, Jonathan and Jeremy, who continue to amaze me with their infinite love, hugs, wisdom, huge hearts, talent, compassion and superior values
• Open and honest communication with family and friends
• Editors who believe in my work
• My mother, sister and brother and all other close family members who stay in touch and enjoy one another’s company, showing tolerance and support whenever necessary
• My wonderful, loving, generous friends whose company I always crave
• My incredible BFF, Ellen, who shows me unconditional love and understanding, patience and an open heart and restored my faith in friendship.
• A warm cup of coffee
• A bowlful of popcorn
• A bath full of bubbles

Happy Thanksgiving to you all with warm love and hugs… and feel free to add your own thoughts to the list!