Giving Thanks

      I have many things that I am thankful for. There are even more things that I take for granted every day that I should be even thankful for.  

     First and foremost, I am thankful for my daughter, Abby. She has taught me so many things in the short seven years of her life, but none more than what unconditional love is.  Of course, we have our ups and downs. She’s seriously 7 going on 17! I feel bad sometimes that I couldn't be a stay at home mom with her when she was little, but I know that when she gets older that she will understand.

     I am also very thankful for my very loving and supportive family. I’m not always the easiest person to live with, but they take it all with a grain of salt. They are my total support system. When I fall down, they pick me up. They rejoice in my triumphs with me. I try to be the strong one for everyone else, but I know that if I need them, they would be there for me in a heartbeat. I don’t know what I’d do without my crazy little family.

    

    Having a full time job with pretty good benefits is something that I am very thankful for. I can provide insurance for my daughter and myself, and also help pay the bills. I may not enjoy the work that I do all the time, but it is steady work. I have friends and family that works seasonal jobs, and the off season for them is hard. At least I know that rain or shine, cold or hot, my work is still there.

     Online learning is something that I never really thought about being thankful for, but I am. As a full time employee and a full time mom, my days and nights are pretty full. If it wasn't for online learning, I’d never be able to find time to further my education. As much as I appreciate my job, I don’t see it as my career. I want to be able to do something I love on a daily basis. I’m also thankful for the fact that finally, after trying two other online colleges, WVU has fit my needs.

     I’m very thankful for the fact that all of my needs are met. Sometimes it’s easy to take them for granted, and complain about things that I can’t get or don’t have. Those are all wants though, and we all need to realize that some people worry about how they will pay their bills each month or eat.

      

     Last, I know that it may sound superficial, I am very thankful that I was able to take Abby and the rest of my family on vacation this year. It is something that I've always wanted to do, and it finally came true. The majority of my family had never seen the beach or even went out of state, at least that far out of state. The complete joy on Abby’s face when she saw the ocean for the first time melted my heart. I’m very thankful that we all got to experience the wonderful time that we had together because no one knows what tomorrow will bring. My sister recently found out she is pregnant. Now, her, her husband, and my mom will not be able to go next year. I’m very excited to be an aunt for the first time, but it will be bittersweet to go back to the same place without them.

     There are many, many other things that I am thankful for. I’m sure that I’m forgetting a lot too. I feel that I have a very fortunate and blessed life. We should all be thankful every day that we wake up and have what we have.