Thanksgiving

I know that I often rant, and come close to a whine over my circumstances this past year. But I did want to express my gratitude to my family, friends and God for the help they provided in helping me to survive a very rough time in my life. The emotional support was the life saver that I needed to pull myself together enough to start over. I cannot thank you all enough.

I might be spending the holiday alone with Gil, but I am grateful that I have a roof over my head and food on my table, sometimes things I previously took for granted. There were a few times this past year that I feared I would not be able to stay afloat, but somehow I scraped by. I still have many challenges ahead of me financially, the battle has barely begun. But..I am still here.

This past year has taught me many lessons. The value of true friendship, people who are there when you need them, who share laughter and sometimes sympathy or empathy being in the same boat as I am. Who offer unconditional hugs, the best kind. People who can help you move mountains and make you smile while you share the load.

I have also been taught some very hard lessons in trust this year. The person whom you believe in the most might be the one that hurts you more than anything you ever experienced before. You can never really know anyone the way you know yourself, which has led me to believe in myself more than I did before and to forever more be cautious in sharing my trust. Paying back for that lesson? Likely the rest of my life. Fortitude, perseverance, and strength are also gifts learned from that lesson. That and living within your means, and making do.

For the simple things that bring me joy; for the love shared over many miles with my family; for surviving despite both severe emotional and physical pain ( the damn gallbladder); for a quiet and sweet roommate, Gilligan; and for Hope. Hope took awhile to be reborn but it did slowly come back. Believing in myself has led me to take steps I might never have thought of taking before professionally, and it has brought pride along for the ride. And hope will be my silent companion as a new year begins.

I have much to be thankful for, and I hope that all my friends and family know how much I am sincerely grateful for having them in my life. And to God? Thank you for letting me stick around a little longer, and helping me find myself once again. For the beautiful sunrises and sunsets that colored my days and brought smiles of appreciation; the food that sustains me, and the shelter of my home. I thank you very much.

~k