Thanksgiving

I've had plenty of time to reflect on the many things I am thankful for this year. Although I'm not a big fan of holidays and huge get-togethers, this year has me nostalgic in a different way. Instead of spending this time wishing I could change all of the things that I don't like, I'll take a moment to reflect on all of the positivity that has occurred in my life, shaping who I am.

I am thankful for my mom, who made her life a struggle so mine wouldn't be. I am thankful for all of the things that she did that go unrecognized, such as maintaining my mental and physical health. I fully believe I would not be the person that I am today without having such a strong role model in my life.

I am thankful for my sister Melanie, who has been not only a sister but a best friend throughout the years. I'm thankful for the things that we've experienced together and also those separate experiences that we can both learn from. I know she is always there for me whether I need to laugh or cry (or, like many times, both).

I'm thankful for my older brothers, Joshua and Jonathan and my younger step-brother, Joseph. They often keep me in touch with the male perspective, making me both laugh and glad to be a woman. Without my brothers, I would not be as well rounded a person.

I'm thankful for my step-father, who came into my life at a time that I was rebellious and unmanageable! He still loved me and showed me what it was like to have a supportive father. Jeff made my wedding so special by walking me down the aisle and handing me off to my wonderful husband.

I am thankful for Tracie and Dale Singleton, who are wonderful parents for my niece Bethany. I cannot imagine a better home for Bethany and am so thankful for her wonderful family.

I'm thankful for modern medicine for making things happen that were otherwise not possible. I'm thankful for my job and my supportive co-workers and supervisor. I'm thankful for my beautiful home, my car that always starts, my friends and family that are always there when I need them, and my animals that always make me smile.

Lastly, I am so thankful for my husband Scott, without whom I would not be as sane as I am right now! Scott is my best friend, my rock, and the love of my life. I couldn't ask for more.