Gratitude

If you read yesterday's post, you'll know that from time to time I'm going to write about a word engraved on one of the pewter tokens given to me by my mom. Last night I wrote about some of the "delights" in my life. Tonight I'm going to focus on those things for which I am grateful. As was the case last night, I'm certain that as soon as I hit "publish post" I'm going to remember 50 other things I should have listed but because I'm human and not a robot it appears to be unavoidable. As my grandmother says over and over again every day, "So be it."


* My family (parents, sister, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins): I truly believe I have the best support system anyone could as for. My uncles and grandfathers stepped up and provided what my father couldn't, my aunts have been wonderful teachers, and I count my cousins among my closest friends.

* My maternal grandparents' farm: I did a lot of growing up there and experienced things I never would've in the city.

* Childhood summers in Michigan: So many memories (most of them good, Mom).

* My pets: Life is much more bearable and entertaining with animals in it.

* My former employer: She taught me what it means to be a good boss and will be the yardstick by which I measure all future employers.

* My friends: I couldn't have made it as far as I have without their understanding, support, and twisted senses of humor.

* My own twisted sense of humor: Inappropriate though it may be at times, for the most part it has served me well. Trust me, I wouldn't have survived as long as I did at my last job without it!

* My education: Major kudos to my parents for providing me with a top-notch education. I hope to actually use it in my next career!

* Empathy: Sometimes it's a good thing, other times it drags me down into the dumps because I can't turn it off. All in all, I'd rather have it than not.

* Diet Coke: Have I admitted that I have a one-a-day habit? I don't consider my morning complete without one.

* Having loved once and lost: It made me realize that it is possible to survive something that is incredibly complicated and painful and come out stronger for the experience.

* That I haven't injured anyone or been injured in a car accident: Driving can be really scary!

* Our military men and women and their families: Soldiers, airmen, marines and their loved ones deserve our gratitude for the sacrifices each are willing to make in the interest of our country.

* Chocolate: Milk chocolate is my favorite but I can also choke down dark chocolate when I absolutely have no choice. See, I can be flexible.

* Bottoming out emotionally and academically at the first university I attended: If I hadn't, I never would've ended up at the local university where I had wanted to go in the first place. That school turned out to be a much better fit and I was extremely happy there.

* Working at the concession stand at the zoo when I was in high school: I made a ton of friends there that I never would've otherwise met. To this day I still smile when I think about our adventures.

* My friends' children: Just like their parents, the children are incredibly entertaining.

* My ability to spell: I truly believe that you either can do it or you can't. I can (most of the time) and it has almost made up for my complete inability to do anything mathematical.

* My high school English teachers: They helped instill in me my love of the written word.

* Peanut butter: Even the worst situation is bearable with a spoonful or two of regular peanut butter (preferably mixed with a few semi-sweet chocolate chips).


I've reviewed this list a couple of times and am fairly satisfied that it accurately represents what I am most grateful for in my life. As I stated before, I know that as soon as I hit "publish post" I'll remember something else that I should have included, but I'll just have to take the chance. As you can probably see, so far I've been blessed with a very rich life. I have every intention of keeping it that way.