Thankful

As I have said many times, it's been a tough couple of years, but now is not the time to delve into that because I have much to be thankful for.

Today I just want focus on the good things, the uplifting things, the people that warm my heart and uplift my spirit.

I am so thankful for Tom, our marriage, our relationship. I feel so fortunate to have such a wonderful man in my life.

And my sons, daughters-in-law and grandkids. My sons are good, loving sons, husbands and fathers. I never have to worry about my grandkids because I know their parents, my sons and daughters-in-law, will take good care of them, make sure they are fed well, clothed, sheltered and loved. I am grateful to have been able to talk with both of them today.

I am thankful for my health and for Tom's health.

I am thankful for being able to volunteer at the Clothes Closet and for the time, work, hugs and laughs I share with my Clothes Closet cohort, Susie, who opened up her heart and arms and welcomed my help in getting the Clothes Closet off the ground. We're not open "for business" yet, but we've hung all the donated coats, sweaters and other warm clothing on a portable rack in the hallway and the folks going to the Bread Basket food pantry next door to us have to walk right by the rack. The first day we were able to give away 30 warm coats to some very appreciative people. One woman had tears in her eyes when she took a wool coat off the hanger to take home to her husband who didn't have a winter coat. It made Susie and me tear up, too.

I am thankful for my extended family members and friends and readers, many of whom jumped in with love, support, insight and much needed humor through the very difficult first half of this year. You are all so precious to me and I appreciate each one of you.

I have a pantry and refrigerator/freezer full of food, not to mention the over-flowing extra refrigerator/freezer and free-standing freezer in the garage. My house is warm when it's cold outside, and cool when it's hot. I have a nice bed to cuddle with my husband and sleep in. I have my choice of two cars to drive ~ an SUV and a convertible, whichever strikes my mood ~ and I have the money to fill them with gas when needed.

For the first time I can ever remember, I am not depressed on Thanksgiving Day. I am hopeful, I am grateful and looking forward to the future....and even the Christmas holidays.

I wish all of you a wonderful, fun, thankful Thanksgiving Day.