Thankfulness...If that is a word

(Note: this was posted days after it was written...)




This Thanksgiving was one that was very different for me and my family, but at the same time it was just as special. We have endured many changes over the course of 2K11 but one thing I learned yesterday is that regardless of what may be going on in our individual lives as well as family "challenges"....unconditional love is enough to bring us all together to celebrate each other & what we are thankful for....

We didn't have the usual crowd, a mixture of young and "seasoned" family members and friends. But we had good food, lots of laughter, kind words, heartfelt prayer and more "grown up" conversations. I am truly proud of my brother, my father and mother. I see more of an ease in my father's actions, thoughts, words, overall demeanor. My mother seems less troubled and stressed and my brother seems happy as well. 

So this Thanksgiving I am thankful for the little things instead of the big. It was not as obvious to me at first, but throughout the course of the day it became clearer. I am thankful for...


The time my mother and I spent in the kitchen talking while cooking late Wednesday night & early Thursday morning, 
the time my Dad and I spent weathering the chaotic storm of people at the grocery store Wednesday afternoon, 
the way my Uncle always reaches out to help where he can with cooking and house chores, 
my brother who is so seemingly timid & quiet but talks non-stop when I see him in person (man I miss not living as close to   
          him anymore).


my cousin who comes over early and spends a couple of nights with us during the holidays and just sort of blends in with my immediate family, 


and those who were able to make it over, who shared in the laughter & eating on the big day.

But...more than any of this, I'm thankful for the support that my family and friends have provided for me with my upcoming business plans & service efforts. I have received such support and kind wishes from family and friends it is overwhelming and surreal. I am so excited, anxious and eager to move forward with the great things that I desire to do... This November has been a great month and I am thankful for many things that have occurred throughout this time.  So I guess to sum it up in one word to describe this month... "Thankfulness" has definitely been the theme.