28 November 2002
Thank you for this precious day
These gifts you give to me
My heart so full of love for you
Sings praise for all I see
-John Denver
Last year at this time I wrote an entry about the things for which I was thankful.
I was going to do that again this year, since this is the time to think of
such things, but when I read what I wrote last year, I liked it so much--and feel so many
of the same things--that I would like to repeat most of it, but bring it up to date.
So for this Thanksgiving, I would like to give thanks for.....
...having been born to a wonderful woman who never ceases to inspire me with her love, her
generosity to everyone--and, at 82, her stamina. I am so proud of having her for my
mother.
...for having a husband who has loved me and put up with me for 37 years, who has allowed
me to do my own thing without complaining (too much), and who has given me five wonderful
children.
...for Jeri, Ned and Tom for being offspring of whom I am fiercely proud. For being the
sugar and the spice. For standing strongly together for each other and for us through all
of our tragedies, for being each unique individuals. For being some of my best friends.
...for the memory of David and Paul, who lived too short lives, but who made a difference
in the lives around them and were a source of both frustration and great pride.
...for Marta, Laurel and Audra for loving our sons, for putting up with their foibles, for
being good friends to me, and for being ideal additions to our family. It's hard to
imagine more perfect matches. (...and especially to Tom for finally popping the
question!)
...for wonderful in-laws. I hit the jackpot with a terrific mother- in-law, and
brother/sisters-in-law who are all good friends, and "extended in-laws" in
Marta's family who have been so good to us, especially in the last few years.
...for old friends like the Piņata group, who have been there since college, who still
remain good friends. Thanks for all the good times we've shared, and the sad times we've
shared as well.
...for new friends like Peggy, Steve and Ron, who have each been unafraid to love me when
I needed it, to kick me in the butt when I needed it, to share confidences and laughs,
people with whom I feel comfortable to "sing all the secrets I'm too ashamed to
share."
...for Kathy, who has held my hand, off and on, over the past 15 years and helped me
come to a better understanding of myself.
..for Weight Watchers, for obvious reasons!
...for Joan, who said "I don't think you'll feel uncomfortable going to the club I
go to at 6 a.m." She was right. It began to change my life.
...for Olivia who said "let's buy bikes," ...for Terri who was my inspiration to
know that it's never too late to re-learn how to ride a bike ...for Haggie for dragging me
out onto the bike trails until I was able to do it on my own ...and for Cindy who won't
let me wimp out on our 5 a.m. bike trips and keeps me going even when I'd rather snuggle
down and stay warm.
...for a cornucopia of other Internet friends, both from CompuServe and from the
Journaling community ...and especially for my wonderful readers who have given me
incredible support this past year.
...for Dr. G for hiring me despite my size, for being there when I needed a shot of
self-esteem, and, for all his foibles, his patience in giving me responsibility and
watching me fumble until I got it right, ...and for the psychiatrist who never gets angry
when his work isn't done as quickly as he'd like.
...for the experience of Breaking Barriers and the privilege of getting to know special
people like Sam, and Priscilla (whom I haven't seen in far too long).
...for living in a country which, while not quite Paradise, is better than most and will
do until the time is right for my own trip to Paradise.
...for my newly re-discovered health and the ability to live comfortably and enjoy a few
extravagances now and then.
...for sunsets and rainbows, birds and sunflowers, raindrops and snowflakes and incredible
blue skies. For crashing waves and mirror-still lakes. For the riot of color in an autumn
forest and a patchwork quilt of tulips.
...for a basically happy life and the ability to enjoy it.
All my love to the special people in my life and my hope for an "uneventful"
year for all of us, until the next turkey day.
