MY REALIZATION

Thanksgiving is a week from today, and every time I think about it I find myself dreading it more and more.  I feel like things are just a little off this year with both my side and Rick's side of the family.  I want to get together and play games and laugh and have fun...just like in the movies, and yet if my attitude continues, there is NO WAY that will ever happen.  And so my realization - the only person I have been thinking about for the past week is me, how my Thanksgiving isn't going to be the way I want it and I have been miserable.  I haven't taken two seconds to think that Leslie lost her husband a week before Thanksgiving a few years ago, and this may be a hard time for her.  I didn't think that my mom, once again, will go through the holidays alone, without my dad.  I haven't thought about those parents who don't know if they have enough money to feed their children on Thanksgiving, or the family in Saratoga Springs who just found out their husband/dad has brain cancer and has a few weeks to live.  I sit here, with my close to perfect life, and feel sorry for myself.  WHAT???  And so, for just a moment, I'd like to count my many many blessings. 

I'm thankful for Rick - I'm thankful that we are in this crazy life together.  I'm thankful for his support and love, for the way he talks to my kids when they need advice.  I'm thankful that he is the father of my children and the love of my life.

I'm thankful for my children - I'm thankful that they are all so different and all so wonderful at the same time.  I'm thankful that they talk to me and trust me.  I'm thankful for their patience with me, for their forgiveness and for their unconditional love.

I'm thankful for a loving Heavenly Father, for the example of His son Jesus Christ, and for all that He has given me.  I'm SO thankful for the atonement.

I'm thankful for good friends who tell me when I'm crazy, who listen to me rant, who laugh with me when I'm being ridiculous.  I'm thankful when I complain about Thanksgiving that I have a friend who helps me plan our own "perfect" Thanksgiving.  I'm thankful for a friend who, without even knowing I'm struggling, wants to get together after family stuff and play games and eat pie!

I'm thankful that Connor is wearing a sweater vest today, that Nathan is standing in front of the mirror asking if his hands are big, and that Brittani sent Rick and I a picture this morning of her wearing Dialogue socks.  I'm thankful for the beautiful home we live in, for the amazing mountains that are right out my front door, for my health, and I am thankful for both Rick's and my families.

Have a great Thanksgiving!