As a mother to a large brood of special-needs kids, I have a lot to be thankful for. Here is a listing of the things that I am most thankful for in my life:
1.) My children, all 50 of them. True, they may not be what society would want to accept, in terms of their handicapping conditions; but they are MY children, and they have brought me and my husband more joy and hope. They have all overcome such tremendous odds, and although several still face uncertain or bleak futures, they live life for the moment, and they refuse to let their disabilities hamper them or their living out their lives to the fullest.
2.) My husband, Bill. Bill married me 12 years ago, and even though we have had our problems, we work together, to try to overcome our problems, and he has been such an understanding, caring man with such a sensitive soul about him; and he has certainly enriched my life to the fullest! He has also taught me about Christian love, and it is because OF him that I converted to Pentecostal/nondenominational from Catholocism; he showed me Christian faith, and I wanted a piece of it. He also knew I wanted a family after our three natural children died, so he was determined to make that dream come true for me.
3.) My father, Armand. He is now 66 years old, and although he has his health concerns, he still knows how to love, and he refuses to let his problems bring him down. He has such a lively, outgoing personality people can't help BUT to fall in love with him once they meet him! He is a fun, outgoing guy, and he loves life; and he greets each new day with a prayer of thanks and a big smile!
4.) My step mother, Therese. She married my daddy and turned his life around after my maman died of cancer; and she saved his life. She has opened up a whole new world for my father, and I am forever indebted to her. She is an angel, and I just love her to pieces!
5.) My sisters, Crystal, Florida, Arizona, and Indiana. I love each and every one of you; you were my supporters when we were growing up, and life with you proved to be nothing but a fun, unending adventure! Thanks for all the laughs and good times we shared!!
6.) America. Last September 11, extreme Muslim terrorists tried to bring us down to our knees when they inadvertantly attacked our nation, killing many innocent lives in the process, but their sadistic tactics failed: Over a year later, America is STILL standing; she may be bruised and in pain, but she is STILL standing tall and proud, and we are more determined than ever to get rid of this evil known as "terrorism" and to stop those behind these awful, evil attacks and bring them to swift justice!
7.) All of my nieces and nephews, and of course, Jamee, LeAndre', and Derick, my three precious grandbabies. Thanks for brightening up this grandma's life; you all are the apples of my eye, and I love each and every one of you with all of my heart!
and finally, 8.) My health and happiness. I may have my health concerns (epilepsy, arthritis, sciatic and back problems) and may walk on a cane, but I am a lot better off than a lot of people, and I also have the ability to help others in need, thanks to my job as a nurse; and helping others feel better or saving lives is so gratifying indeed!
Happy Thanksgiving, and may you all stop and pause to go over YOUR blessings in life! Be thankful for not what you DON'T have, but for all you ALREADY have in life! Life can be so good if you make it to be; and there is MUCH GOOD in your life if only you know where to look!
thanksgiving also includes thanking those that are special in our life...you're MY reason for thanksgiving...(((HUGS))) and this is a lovely write! much love, karla. :)
