Thanksgiving is just around the corner (two days, eek!) and for me, it is a time to reflect and count my blessings.
This time last year, my hubby was unemployed and we were one disaster away from being broke. It was scary, and terrible, and even to this day I still get a knot in my gut when I think of it. Back then, we were in crisis mode. But we didn’t forget the things we did have — a roof over our heads, food on the table, my job and health insurance, and, most importantly, our family. They were our strength when we had none. They were our ray of light in the darkness. They were what kept us afloat, kept us going. Without them, I’m not sure how we would have done.
That’s the thing about my family: we’re always there for each other. Someone needs something, someone is always there with some kind of help. Someone’s going through a rough time, we’re there for that person. We reach out. We listen. And we pray.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I am nothing without my family. They ground me, they love me no matter what, they are there when no one else is. They are my most precious gift, and I will cherish them until the day I die. And beyond.
My mother-in-law has some health things happening right now. And let me tell you, my mother-in-law is a wonderful, caring person. She’s always been generous and giving, not just gifts but of herself. She’s always there for us. So I told the hubby that no matter what, we needed to support her and be there for her during this time. We have been praying for her, and we plan on spending a lot of time with her over the holidays. I believe that she needs us, now more than ever. I give thanks for this amazing woman that has become like another mother to me. And I want her to know that I cherish her, and will do anything to ease her pain, her worry. Whatever she needs, I will be there. So, Joan, never fear. We’re here for you, always.
Sometimes I get frustrated with myself and my life. I’m not making enough money, or I’m not able to write five books a year, or my health isn’t the best and I have problems. And then I think, well, wait a sec. I have a job, I have the ability to write, which is the most priceless gift of all, so who cares how long it takes me to write a book? And my health — hey, fibro doesn’t wreck joints or kill. Yes, it can be painful, and a pain in the butt, but it could be so much worse. I had a dream about my beloved friend Mike, who passed at the age of 53 to cancer. He passed in 2004, and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of him, especially now. He and I used to work together and we bonded over our love of computers. My first Christmas with the company, he gave me this RAM chip made into a keychain. He explained that he wanted to give me something for Christmas, but he didn’t have a lot of money, and he knew I’d appreciate it. That keychain is sitting in my office, where I can look at it and remember him. I not only appreciated it, but appreciated the gesture and the creativity. That keychain survived three moves, and I’ll keep it forever. That’s the kind of stuff that gives me pause. Those little things that mean more than anything, that say so much without saying a word.
So yeah. I have it good. I have my family, and I have the memories of those who aren’t with me anymore. I have much to give thanks for. I have all I need right here. And that’s all that matters in the end, right? You have what you need to get you through. And it doesn’t cost a dime.
What are you thankful for this year?