I give thanks for the hard times,
for they made me strong.
I give thanks for the lean times,
for they made a giver.
I give thanks for the loneliness;
it taught me to be a friend.
I give thanks for the hunger,
that taught me to share.
I give thanks for the tears,
that taught me to smile.
I give thanks for the storm
that made me a survivor.
I give thanks for the gift of words;
‘cause as long as there is air to breathe
and light to see, and lessons to learn,
to share the blessing,
on this day and always, I will write. 

Carmen Ruggero ©2006