Thanksgiving Thankfulness

In preparing for our Thanksgiving this week -thawing the turkey and ham and cleaning the house for all the guests, I have been thinking a lot about what we all should be thankful for.  In today's world full of crimes against neighbors, kids starving, homelessness and people hurting their own children and all the other things that should not be happening,  I am so very thankful that I have a wonderful life here in the country with a husband who puts up with all of my craziness and 3 amazing children -all of whom I love immensely.  We are sometimes sheltered here from the real crimes that take place elsewhere and I am thankful that my children don't see that on a daily basis. 

 I am thankful that we both have jobs and earn a decent living to take care of our family and finally don't have to struggle, but am also thankful that for a while we did struggle and that makes me even more appreciative of not having to now. 

I am thankful that my children are healthy and growing up with family values and good work ethic.  They understand that if you want something you have to work for it, even though sometimes they would rather just get it! 

Two years ago, 6 days before Thanksgiving my dad suddenly passed away at only 53.  He was a great father and grandpa to all my kids.  We always took for granted that since he was a young grandparent he would be around for years to watch the kids grow.  Each year since, Thanksgiving has been a little bittersweet for me.  I am always thankful, but this year I can finally say it without being so sad at the same time.  I miss him tremendously and wish he could be here all the time.  I know he is watching over my children all the time and at Thanksgiving wishing he could have the turkey legs. 

I am thankful, though, that I have the rest of my family to share Thanksgiving with!  Many of us have lots of things to be thankful for but don't always take the time to appreciate them.  There are so many less fortunate than us in one way or another, we all should be thankful every single day.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!