This year we have so very much to be thankful for... our lives are ever-changing and evolving in ways we never imagined, but our ability to hold on to our faith and the blessings of our incredible family and friends have kept us EXACTLY where we are supposed to be in this life.
Thanksgiving is often overshadowed by Christmas (and Halloween in our home :-)), but it is indeed one of my most favorite holidays. I love the opportunity to be surrounded by loved ones and the chance to reflect on all that we are grateful for, when so often we dwell on what we don't have or things not gone "our way." Thanksgiving offers us all the time to enjoy each other - and to TELL each other how thankful we are. So here goes:
> I am thankful for Andrew. He is an amazing husband, father, brother, friend. I could not walk in this life we've built without him by my side. He accepts me exactly the way I am and he loves every part of me - the good, the bad, and the ugly. :-) I love you, Drew.
> I am thankful for Asa. The boy is a fantastically complex and brilliant old soul. He loves life. He loves his sister and brother. His spirit is ALIVE! I am so proud of who he is and who I know he will become. I love you, Ace.
> I am thankful for Ariana. Sweet, sweet girl has surpassed all odds and is WALKING right into the hearts of MANY! She has the most loving energy and her eyes tells us all that is in her heart. She's the reason for my new life, my new normal, my renewed love and compassion for humanity, and my connection to two of the most unbelievable people on the planet. I love you, Ari.
> I am thankful for Axel. My (not-so) little baby boy has brought me to elation, a place I didn't think I could be again. He's reminded me that we all deserve JOY. He is my divine reward. He is my peace. He is my wonderment. He is my celebration. I love you, Axe.
> I am thankful for Heather. I have never known anyone quite like her - someone with such remarkable capacity to love, to give, to provide. I am privileged and honored to call her my daughter's Mom. I love you, Heather.
> I am thankful for Jim. Such a marvelous man with a phenomenal outlook on life, love, and family. That he can open his heart and home to not just Ariana, but to all of us is the most precious gift anyone in this world could ever give. I love you, Jim.
> I am thankful for my Mom. I so rarely get the chance to tell her how spectacular she is because I am always so busy asking for her help and she is always so busy doing for me. I couldn't ask for a better Nana to my babies OR a better surrogate Mom to my husband and sister-in-laws and friends OR a better friend to me. I love you, Mom.
> I am thankful for Emily. Having met you in 2nd grade, how would I have ever known how dear you'd be to me for the rest of my life. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have a best friend like you who loves me unconditionally and whole-heartedly. I feel comforted in knowing that I can always count on you. I love you, E.
> I am thankful for Melissa. (No, not me... my precious friend with a beautiful name, if I do say so myself.) I have been blessed by you. Truly blessed. You've taught me to love myself again. You've let me know it's okay - it was okay then, it is okay now, and it'll be okay always. And you've believed in God enough for the both of us when I was lost. I love you, Melissa.
Oh, there are so many, many, many more that I am thankful for. This post could go on forever, so please don't feel left out in my heart. I love you all who have lifted me up. I feel so fortunate for all I have.
Happy Thanksgiving. Bountiful blessings!
