With Thanksgiving preparations well under way, I decided to take a moment to relax with a cup of coffee and a delicious homemade cookie. It’s been a long year with more bumps than joy, but even so, I do have plenty to be thankful for.

I am thankful to be alive. Having come too close to death this year, I really am grateful for all of the trials and sorrow that life brings with it.

~~Without the trials we cannot truly know victory.

~~Without the sorrow we cannot truly know joy.

I am thankful for my family.  I have a kind, loving, and considerate husband. In just a few days we will celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary.  Sometimes I just can’t believe that I have known this man for 20 years. I have two beautiful and intelligent children who have brought me laughter (and tears), Pride (and shame), and so much joy.

I am thankful for my fur babies. Liberty, our German Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix, brings calmness and security to our happy little home while Maggie, our Border Collie/Schnauzer mix, brings laughter and fun to our happy home.  They were my nurse maids–always at my side–while I was recovering from my illness this year.

I am thankful for my parents. They taught me to be an independent woman and a free thinking individual.

I am thankful for my sister. She is my closest friend.

I am thankful for all of the wonderful friends I have had the pleasure to know.

And finally, I am thankful for all of the little things in life. You know–that hot cup of coffee in the morning, the flowers that bloom in the spring, a good book to read, doggie kisses, and so much more. These are the things that get me through the tough times and the mundane of daily living.

I am truly blessed.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday surrounded by the people you love most.