Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving -- giving thanks -- a time to count your blessings and give credit where it's due. This Thanksgiving I have much to be thankful for. I am 42 and in relatively good health, considering I don't take great care of myself. I still have both my parents and my in-laws living. I have an incredible husband, who is constantly adding more and more blessings for which I am thankful. . . . I have a job -- not a perfect job, but a great job with good pay and (sometimes, at least) a feeling of fulfillment -- and in these economic times, that is a gargantuan blessing! I have lovely family -- a brother, who, although zany, would do anything for me if I needed it. A sister whom I love more than words -- she is my "twin" separated by 13 years, and as different as night and day. A brother-in-law who seldom ceases to make me laugh and is as much a part of my life as any blood kin. An 8-month-old nephew who is pure joy. . . . Two parents who have been supportive in every way possible and continue to listen to my successes and challenges on a regular basis. A house -- a roof, 4 walls, some heat, some air conditioning, comfortable furnishings ( and some not so comfortable, but still usable :~) A hearty group of friends on whom I can truly depend, the top of the list being Rachel and Randy and Paul and Janet. They enrich my life more than they know, along with their children: Linda, Jeff, and Connor are as much a part of our family as if we'd grown up in the same house. Katherine, David and Daniel have been a sheer joy to watch grow up and I am so blessed to have watched Rachel and Randy as parents. I look forward to incredible things from all three of them, and I am so thankful to be part of their lives. A plethora of acquaintances and work associates who share my life and bring challenges and blessings of their own. In-laws with whom I get along and share emotional experiences with: MIL Sheryl, who is so full of love and encouragement. FIL Charlie, who is a constant surprise. Grandma Nita, who has fulfilled every grandmotherly role in a tremendous way since my own passed away in 2000 & 2001. BIL Randy, currently serving in Afghanistan -- I am so proud of the man -- husband, father, soldier, grandfather he has become. His wife (and my Sis) Marina -- a special friend as well as family. Their children: Sophia (married to another soldier serving in Afghanistan) and currently living in Italy with her darling baby -- Braden, who is a cutie-patootie (and my first "great nephew", Nelson, who is graduating from Basic Training, Julia, who is a beautiful dancer and a beautiful person, and Mason, who loves us with all his being -- and the feeling is mutual. SIL Kelli, who has grown into one of the most beautiful women I know -- inside and out. . . her hubby Daniel, who is a walking encyclopedia!, and precious Wylder, who I can't wait to spend some holiday time with! For aunts and uncles and other extended family who brighten our days! For our two precious kitties, Lancelot and Merlyn who make us smile and snuggle with us and remind us to always care for others. . . .For Cars that get us where we need to go and usually where we want to go. For a comfortable bed, and time to sleep. For laughter, For music, For dreams. . . .For everything!!!!!!!! Thank you, Great God of Heaven for these and all the other innumerable blessings you've placed in my path -- especially for the ones that don't seem like blessings right now, because they are probably the ones that will help me grow the most! Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone! What are you thankful for?

Oatmeal Cream Pie Reflection

Sometimes it happens. Not every time, but it's so clear when it does. I stopped yesterday for a snack -- an oatmeal cream pie. Every now and then, when I open the package, get a whiff of that distinctive scent and take the first bite with the crispy chewy edges and just a hint of fluffy white cream, I am magically transported back to first grade. I am standing, waiting for bus 161, where I get to read words from a science book for a middle school kid because he is so impressed that as a first grader I can sound out all those words. I am carrying my little blue and red "booksack". I am in Ms. Meachem's class, folding a paper into 8 boxes, drawing a little picture in each box. I am singing the color song and standing and sitting at the appropriate time. I am struggling with greater than/less than in Ms. Ellis' class. I am in reading group reading Dick and Jane. Ms. Harper is fussing because I don't make my a's properly. I am watching videos (read filmstrips? probably. . . ) Ms. Caldwell is my principal. I am amazed by the library. Cheryl Graham is my best friend -- we sit on the bus singing Top of the World by the Carpenters. She spends the night and is somewhat afraid when my dad gets home; hiding under my bed. I find the prize egg at Easter, with the help of Terri's mom (even though Terri is in my class). I spend the night with Terri. (That house is now a gift shop. . . ) I am harrassed on the bus by Leon -- he even rips my dress. I go with my mom to talk to the guy in charge of the buses. I ride with my dad to school, and he is amazed to learn that he knows my teacher (I have a much more interesting version of that story perhaps I'll share sometime). I stand at the edge of the road waiting for the bus and I can see my breath, dressed in school clothes for fall, and the air is cool and crisp and there are leaves on the ground. I am walking the hallways of a school for the first time -- first grade -- playground, snacks, nice people, people disappointed in me, books, people who need friends, writing, people who are really nasty, good, evil. It is my first foray into the real world, and it all comes back with one bite of an oatmeal cream pie.