Thankful

I had to drop my kids off with their dad today. And I missed them before they even left. But this is one of the realities of living in a split household – we both love our children, and we both want to spend time with them. And while it makes me sad to know that I won’t be with them on Thanksgiving, it also makes me so thankful that they have two parents that love them very much, and who both want to spend time with them.

And in the spirit of giving thanks, there are a couple more things that I am deeply grateful for that I wish to share with you now.

I am thankful for my children. They are the truest part of my happiness. I know it sounds corny, that I have to say that because I’m there mom. But it’s really true. I am madly in love with my kids. Even when they have me tearing my hair out and I may wish them away for a short time, I still feel so fortunate that I get to have them with me almost every day of the year. And as they get older, they only get better. I swear that each age they get to, it’s the best age they have ever been. Right now, they are at their best age yet.

I am thankful for my job. I get to be one of the lucky ones in this world doing what I love, all day long, every day. Yes, it’s a job. Yes, there are days when I would rather stay in bed. Who doesn’t? But you know what? I am employed, something I am thankful every single day – especially in this day and age. My daughter mentioned to me today that we could be on the verge of losing our house, and I had to tell her that we were only one paycheck away from that. Like most one paycheck households, if I were to lose my job, I would lose everything. One missing paycheck would be detrimental. So I am so thankful to be employed, and even more thankful that it’s a job I am passionate about.

I am thankful for love, particularly the love I share with Mr. W. I will save you most of the gushy details, but let’s just say that this man has shown me pure and true love, and is someone I can trust and depend on, and be completely honest with. He’s a good father, a caring partner, and he’s wonderful to his mother. He supports me in all my crazy endeavors. And ladies? He cooks gourmet meals, he washes dishes, AND he does laundry, along with all the manly yardwork outside. And every now and then, he picks me flowers from his garden. Done gushing.

I am thankful for my cat. I was NOT a cat person before he sat in my backyard and cried because he was hungry. And it only took a few more visits to completely transform me. This cat plays fetch, dang it. I mean, only the cool cats do that, and mine is one of them! He plays in his water bowl, and looks at me with big, beautiful eyes as I wipe up the lake all over the dining room floor. He helps me fold clothes by sitting on them. He helps me type on the computer by sitting on it. He helps me wrap presents by sitting on them. He helps me watch TV by sitting on my face. Basically, he helps me not take things way too seriously, and to appreciate the Zen in petting a cat in the lap.

I am thankful for my friends and family. I am thankful for my home. I am thankful for electricity. I am thankful for water. I am thankful for chocolate and coffee. I am thankful for Facebook. I am thankful for music to fit every mood I am in. I am thankful for Christmas, and Thanksgiving, and Easter, and every other reason to get the whole family together and feel all filled up with love.

And I am thankful for every one of you that have taken the time to read my words, as if I have something meaningful to say. Thank you. And I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with reminders of your own blessings, and full of people who love you.

Happy Thanksgiving.