I am so thankful for...

[Robyn1007]

Yeah, we've got another vent thread going but tonight, I'm feeling blessed by so much. As many of you know it's be an unbelievably difficult few weeks for me. Over these weeks I've come to know just how blessed I am. I am thankful for:

*Jessica. I was privileged to have her be a part of my life. My birthday buddy (hers was the day after mine). She was the type of person who would defend those she loved tirelessly so you better be on her good side. She loved passionately both people, things and activities.

*My beautiful family. I have been so blessed by all of them, those close to the situation and those on the other side who continue to check in with me to make sure I'm doing okay.

*My friends. They gathered around me. Distracting me when I needed it. Allowing me to talk and cry when I needed to. Giving me ideas of how to help my family through the situation.

*Running. Every time I've been out since Jessica passed I have felt the affirmation of life. Something about the simple action of breathing in and out, stepping one foot in front of the other and feeling my body's effort has reminded me that my life goes on.

*My CLBB and SDBB (another board I moderate on) friends. Wow, the outpouring of support, including posts here, private messages, emails and mailed notes (and a gorgeous new hat!) really became my rock as I got through the most difficult of days. Your prayers for her survival and your heartfelt expressions of sorrow in her passing meant the world to me.

*Organ donation. I have now seen the process from both sides. A friend who received a liver in March and my cousin saving the lives of 18 people in her death. Amazing that the death of 1 saves the lives of 18. Can you imagine what would be possible if everyone who could donate in their death did?

My heart remains heavy with the loss of Jessica but tonight, 2 weeks following her death, I know that my life is more blessed than I knew.

What are you thankful for?

[Peweh]

I'm thankful for my health, my husband's health, my family and my pet's health...

I'm thankful my husband encouraged me to quit my corporate job and do something I wanted to do, and thankful that my small business is thriving despite the economy.

and I'm thankful for all you CLBB friends! Thanks Robyn for giving me some perspective. Health, Family & Friends is all I need!

[Hostess]

I am thankful for a warm house with too many rooms for us to live in on a cold rainy morning when so many others are waking up to a cold and cramped space.

[LakeMartinGal]

I am thankful for the lovely people in my church, and for the opportunity to sing in the choir.

I am thankful for DH, who puts up with so much pain, and still functions -- and who loves me! And who plans ahead, in so many ways.

I am thankful for my DMIL, who has been my friend for 40+ years, now. And for the rest of DH's family, who is really my family!

I am thankful to live in a beautiful place that I love.

And so much more!

Thanks for starting this thread, Robyn -- it's good to look at this side of life, as well!

[cherylopal]

*my DH
*my great class this year and their wonderful parents
*my kitchen and having Whole Foods close by
*my dog
*that my mom is in a wonderful relationship

[newtricks]

Robyn - sometimes the unbearable events in our lives also show us how sweet it is and make us grateful to be here. I am also always amazed at the outpouring of good from people during a crisis. You put out a lot of good energy all the time so I'm glad you're getting some of that back.

Right now I'm am thankful that we moved to our little house in the woods this summer. Mostly because our family and friends are welcome and comfortable here. It makes nights like last night possible. Kids all had friends over, DH and I had friends over. Made a big lasagna and banana cake, fed everyone. Kids' friends' parents stayed and had drinks when they picked up. Warm house full of friends on a cold and rainy night. What could be better?

[linsleyd]

I'm thankful for my wonderful husband and beautiful daughter.
And the health of each of them. Also for my dogs who infuriate me daily but I do love.

Thankful for a large anonymous baby gift that was very much needed this week.

Thankful for another large windfall of $ from a friend who didn't need to pay DH for the work he did but he did anyway.

Thankful that even though I have to work today in order to take time next week to take DD to a drs appt; Dh didn't even think twice about watching DD. I love that about him - the simple things! AND he's going to take her shopping for a new vacuum. Here's hoping he decides on the dyson animal!

[Romandub]

Robyn--what a lovely thread. And your post moved me to tearsh. I am thankful for so many things--health, family, good job, comfortable life AND people like all of you who remind me to stop and appreciate my many blessings. Thank you!

[Natasha]

I like the thankful threads we have here every now and then! Robyn, thanks for starting this one.

newtricks, I loved reading your post. Aren't moments like that the best?

I'm so thankful for:

- my husband
- the rest of my family
- my dog (who is of course part of the family too)
- my friends
- my health
- my career and co-workers
- the fact that DH and I agree on what's important to us and on what we "need" to make us happy
- our comfy cozy house, standard of living, and the opportunities I've had to experience all kinds of things
- my varied interests ... no chance of ever getting bored! I'm glad I can get excited about so many different things
- my goals - these keep me motivated and energized (okay, most of the time )

[colleency]

This beautiful morning.

[Lucinda]

Today I'm especially grateful for:

• Excellent health
• My darling BF
• My cats who enliven my life with their presence
• My good friend Mr. Stuart who in his late 80s is an inspiring example of continued creativity and curiosity
• Our local Farmers' Market, which I am about to dash out to to buy veggies and give blood and hopefully run into a few friends
• My colleagues who have become like family
• My ability to read, which has provided me with a constant source of joy most of my life

I like to wake up and think about what I'm particularly grateful-- it really sets the tone for a positive day. Thanks, Robyn, for starting this post. It really moved me the way you found seeds of joy in your current difficulties.

[Kevlar]

I am thankful for my husband, our daughter and our son.
Also our sweet dogs that give us so much.
And for our neighbor who fixed our kitchen faucet and refused to take any payment.
And for the friends in my running group who give me so much support.

[Sara_R]

The occupational therapist that worked with DS to help him with his handwriting and related challanges.
And, to you DS, for working so hard at OT. I know going was the last you wanted to do on a beautiful summer day. You did it without complaint...most of the time. You improved so much that you tested out by the beginning of the school year! I am so proud of you!

[LakeMartinGal]

How could I ever have forgotten to be thankful for my dogs? They ask so little, and give so much!

[TKay]

I'm thankful to you, Robyn, for starting this thread and keeping it all in perspective.

*I'm thankful that dh and I both are working.
*I'm thankful for my beautiful, healthy boys.
*I'm thankful that the kids and the animals have enough energy and good health to keep me in a constant state of irritation and fatigue.
*I'm thankful dh is ambitious enough for both of us.
*I'm thankful that our old jalopy of a car is still running despite a bout of recent repairs.
*I'm thankful for my beloved treadmill.
*I'm thankful for my sister, the one sibling who really gets me and helps me more than she'll ever know.
*I'm thankful that I still chuckle when my cat wakes me in the middle of the night by combing my hair with his claws. Okay, I sort of chuckle. I occasionally smile. I don't rip his head off. Entirely.

[katygirl]

Nice thread Robin..

I'm thankful for so much...

My two amazing, smart, beautiful, amazing (need I go on!) girls.

The fact that my husband and I stil love each other as much as we did back in the day

My parents live 4 miles away and are in (relatively) good health!

We have enough to eat, heat, electricty, so much more, than so many

Health, something I don't take for granted.

[oct2189]

I am thankful for my husband, with whom I'll be celebrating 20 years of marriage next week.
I am so grateful that when he said the words "in sickness an in health" that he was sincere, and has been my support and, at times, my caregiver as I struggled with an illness over the last 9 years.
I am grateful that I finally have my health back.
I am grateful that it's SO GOOD TO BE ALIVE!

[Kay Henderson]

What a wonderful thread, Robyn! It has reminded me that I am blessed to live a pretty darned fine life and that I am very thankful for:

my DH of almost 42 years now.

our families from the youngest to the oldest.

good health and adequate resources to do what we need to and many things we would just like to do.

old and new friends.

this delightful BB.

Thanks, everyone, for sharing your thoughts --

Kay

[wallycat]

I am so grateful and thankful that DH's accident (stairs) last night turned out to me painful and nothing more....
Spending 4 hours in the ER is nothing when you hear the "all clear" from there.

[newtricks]

Originally Posted by Natasha

newtricks, I loved reading your post. Aren't moments like that the best?

Thanks Natasha. And yes they are!

[JHaris]

Originally Posted by Robyn1007

.*Organ donation. I have now seen the process from both sides. A friend who received a liver in March and my cousin saving the lives of 18 people in her death. Amazing that the death of 1 saves the lives of 18. Can you imagine what would be possible if everyone who could donate in their death did?
What are you thankful for?

First of all Robyn, I had to comment on your above quote. DD worked for the Maryland Transplant Association. She was the liason between the donor and the recipient of organs. You have no idea how precious the gifts, that your cousin gave in her passing, were to those 18 other people. I would hear a lot from DD regarding this decision. Your cousin's spirit will be held high by those people for the rest of their lives!!! What a fantastic legacy. You had so much sadness, but you should be joyful that she could do so much good. I hope you can find comfort in that.

Thankful I am, especially when I down in the mouth, for my DH and 3 children and 8 grandchildren. I am so lucky they are all doing so well. I get along with their in-laws and when mine were alive, I had a wonderful relationship that I can remember with great fondness. This becomes so important to me when I hear how many others have a unhappy time when they try to get together. I feel a bit sad that my own parents did not live long enough to see their grandchildren much less their great grandchilden.

However, right now I feel alive to be able to look a the varying degrees of seasons, no matter what the weather.
And most of all, I feel thankful for the fact I am alive at 74 to enjoy everything and still be very active!

[Litehouse9]

Thanks for helping remind us that we need to be grateful for what we have, and enjoy the beauty and love around us. I remember the old poster I had way back in the day when I was in college: "Use Things. Love People. Not the Other Way Around".

The day I lost my job of 10 years was such a bummer. I was just stunned and in shock. I went to a friend's house. Her husband has brain cancer, was just diagnosed last November, and he has had 2 surgeries for it. Prognosis not good. Not only that-- but since they are self-insured for health insurance, the day I went over, he got a humungous bill for $112,000 for his chemo, radiation and surgery charges that the insurance did not cover. Nevertheless, they were grateful to have one more day, one more week, one more month of his life and their being together.

I am thankful that even with losing my job-- my DH is wonderful and still has his great job. We have heat, food, a roof, etc. And even with some of my health problems--
++I have eyes to see the beautiful morning and the faces of my beloved sons;
++I have ears to enjoy music, hear laughter, and socialize with others;
++I am independent, can get around and feel pretty darn good.
++I can do nice things for others and enjoy the feeling of giving.

So I am grateful.... LG. Life is Good.

[Kate B]

I want to add my thanks for starting this thread as well, Robyn. I have tried to keep a grateful journal for some time now but am not always diligent about writing daily. I am grateful for:

1. My sister; I'm not sure what I'd do without her.
2. A job I truly enjoy after having one I did not previously.
3. Memories of my beautiful Shelby-dog.
4. Good friends.

I've enjoyed reading what everyone else is grateful for as well.

Thanks again,

Kate

[CoconutKisses]

This is such an awesome thread. It's rare to have something like this in a forum, a place where most people go to vent or swap info. Here are a few things I am thankful for

1-Myself and my familys health
2-My mothers unconditional love a support
3-my boyfriend's amazing heart
4-my circle of friends

[Terri_A]

Great thread, Robyn!

I am thankful for the grace of God, my family and friends (especially the weeone), doctors who understand my priorities and find a way to keep me going even with the restrictions I put on them =), great neighbors, my iPhone, and Tabasco sauce.