Monday, November 21, 2011

Da Big Count

It's almost time for my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving!  The last year and a half or more has at times seemed like an unending series of trials but in the last couple of months the winds have changed, for which I am very grateful.  Either way though I have so much to be thankful for and even though I try to regularly engage in Da Count  (counting the good stuff I've got rather than bemoaning what I lack) I think it's good to put together a  list of things from the past year as a way to look back and remind myself.  Even in a year of trials I find there is just so much to be grateful for so here goes....  It is by no means exhaustive and it's in no particular order.

1. The current physical health of my family.  There are no broken bones, mystery illnesses, debilitating conditions.  That all by itself is just HUGE and I am breathing a very grateful sigh of relief.

2. A stronger, healthier relationship with my dad then I would have dared hope for even a few short years ago.

3. A mom and stepmom who give generously of themselves in different ways to support their kids and grandkids when it matters most.

4. Truly amazing friends, both in 3D life and online.  I am overwhelmed by the love sometimes.

5. Medicine to make my kid better, dispensed by a professional, compassionate, capable doctor after  strong of incompetencies and abuses by so many others.

6. A new clothes dryer that plays a sweet little tune at the end of the cycle instead of sounding like it's tumbling around a pack of rabid cats for and entire cycle.

7. A husband who is handy enough to be able to fix a lot of things around the house so we don't have to be paying repairmen all the time.

8. A son who is discovering he can be competent in the kitchen.

9. Daughters who are striving to make wise choices now that they are out of the nest.

10. The chance to meet Susie and Logo and to see Seattle. 

11.  Having a job.  Big bonus that I feel like I contribute to people's well-being, have bosses who provide a decent environment, and have coworkers who mostly work well together and look out for each other.

12. Flannel sheets.  What?  It's been cold lately.

13. A free, used refrigerator so now I don't have to deal with puddles on the kitchen floor or disgusting mold around the door seal.

14. An invite from Diana to come visit for the weekend, just so we can spend time together.

15. My camera.  It was a long year and then some saving up for a new one.  I thoroughly enjoy having Boom-boom at my disposal.

16. The promise that beloved friends will be here in less than a month.

17.  Music and books.  They provide a place to escape and imagine.

18.  This space where I get to create whatever I want and that so many of you come visit and share the ride with me.  Thanks you for whatever you've shared here, whether it's been a few kind words, some laughs, some tears, or some desperately needed support in a variety of forms during dark days. 

I am blessed.  I am grateful.

I'd love to know what would make your lists this year.

10 comments:

Bijoux said...

I am blessed with a healthy family. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Lime!

Hilary said...

That's a wonderful list, Michelle. I'm so happy to hear that things have improved. Those changing winds.. gotta love them.

Craig said...

A worthy list; thanks for sharing it.

I know that #1 is especially happy; you've been thru a wringer that has had me shaking my head (and praying for you). . .

Jen and I have long appreciated the flannel sheets. . . ;)

I am grateful for my family, both nuclear and extended. Kids who are making their way into solid adulthood. Siblings who I'm getting to know all over again, as we grieve together. For my wife, whom I adore (and who adores me right back). For a strong network of supportive friends. For life, and abundantly so, if you know what I mean.

And friends like you, even with all my, uh, limitations. . . Rich blessings to you, as you count them now, and all year, besides. . .

Cloudia said...

thanks for reminding us to be grateful!

I like limes Quite a lot :-)



Aloha from Honolulu

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secret agent woman said...

I've said it before, but I'm a believer in counting blessings.

G-Man said...

We all count our blessings about you Trini...G

Kat said...

I love Thanksgiving too. I'd probably like it even more if I didn't have to host every year. ;) I am actually thankful that I am able to host it.

Lovely list. I hope you have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!

Jocelyn said...

Yummy list. We love you.

Dave said...

This is a great blog Michelle. We all have much to be thankful for and we need to be aware of them all, as you are. Well done - Dave

lecram said...

Aye... a big wonderful count, my friend!

My count is you continuing to hold up Da Count.

Cheers to you and yours!