One of my family traditions has always been on Thanksgiving, before we sit down to eat, we say what we're thankful for. Kind of like our version of saying grace. When we were younger, it seemed to be so simple. Thankful for family, parents, siblings, food. As I've gotten older, it's gotten harder for me to take my turn with this tradition. Not because I'm not thankful. I've been through a lot in my life, put those around me through a lot of crap, and every day I'm thankful for the people in my life. But how to put it into such simple phrases without rambling on? I'm always worried about forgetting something.
I have noticed that with social media sites, first MySpace then Facebook, many of the people I follow do a "One thing every day I'm thankful for" between November 1st and Thanksgiving day. I think it's a good idea; I love seeing what other people are thankful for. I just don't understand how you limit it or decide what is important enough to share with others. Maybe it's because I talk too much, or use too many words to describe anything. At different points in my life there are things that have been more on my mind that I'm thankful for than others.
I realize that the things I was thankful for as a child are still the base of what I'm thankful for today, but everything that falls underneath those things has more memories, thoughts and feelings behind each thing. I'm going to write them here, instead of a small blurb on a random page.
The first thing I've always said I'm thankful for are my parents. I have always been thankful for them. Even those few years in my late teens and early twenties where I may not have understood or appreciated them as much, I was still thankful that I had them. Without them, I wouldn't be me. Good, bad, or indifferent, I wouldn't have the same life or be the same person without them. They have spent their entire life supporting me, in their own way, to be a good person. Whether or not they failed depends on who you talk to :P
The next big one for me has always been my siblings. It's funny, growing up, I couldn't ever imagine my life without them super involved in it. As an adult, I see that some of my friends rarely talk to their siblings, and see them more rarely. My brothers and sisters have always been there for me. No matter how much we argued, when someone needed TLC and support, we were always there for each other. As we've grown up and gone in different life paths, we have kept in touch. Even if one sibling was doing something that another one of us didn't approve of, we'd still be there for support. Sometimes, we even manage to hold in the "I told you so!" I am so thankful for who they are as individuals and the bond we share together. They have been there for me when I've needed them, and have allowed me to be there for them as well. I'm also thankful that they have had children and blessed my life with 5 beautiful nieces. I love watching those adorable little girls grow! It reminds me of silly things I used to do with their mommies and daddies when we were their age.
To me, my friends are the true reflection on how I am doing in my life. I have a solid, stable friend base full of wonderful people who love all the parts of me, and don't expect me to act or be a certain way other than myself. They are so caring and loving, I thank goodness every day that I have them to call as my friends. They are my other family. Every one of them has their own little quirks and I love them for it.
I can't put into words how thankful I am for my husband. Even using all the sappy, cliche statements like he's my rock, my best friend, travelling companion, other half, etc, don't even come close. He's the reason I wake up smiling every day, reminds me of all my good qualities during the times I can't remember them. My life is stable, and good, and he's the reason why. He's helped me realize how happy I can be. He's imperfect, which makes him more perfect to me. He's a brilliant, loving man with a huge heart and keeps me grounded.
Along with the big things in my life, there's the normal everyday things I'm welcome for. The silly puppy who is always excited to see me and lets me know I need to pet her; the cats that sleep around my head and at my side; the silly ferret that runs sideways and makes children and adults alike laugh at his antics; the rain, the sun; my job, my car (who thought a station wagon would be the perfect fit for me!) happy movies, snuggling on couch with others, long car trips. The wonderful extended family I married into. The fact that I can work and also do my volunteer work; volunteering has always been my passion.
.... *sniffles* .... I'm starting to get all emo, so will stop for now.
