Giving thanks.

Since I've had more than a couple of sobfests today, it seems like a good time to count some blessings. Obviously I'm not dealing with tomorrow's holiday as gracefully as I'd like, so I'm overdue a reality check. It's thanks-giving, after all!

I'm thankful for...

• a husband who has supported me through not just the loss of my mom but her illnesses and dementia, too. The way he loved and cared for Mom was exceptional, and my love for him grew with each errand, each hospital stay, each phone call he fielded to spare me some pain. Needless to say, Brett filled the ol' "love bank" (to use a marriage class term) to overflowing.
• children who loved their Memaw and gave her so much joy. They love their mom, too, and they're so good to me. I feel like I've been too needy lately to really mother them as I should, but they've been gracious enough to cut me some slack.
• family that comes in many forms. I have my family-family, my husband's family, my school family, my church family... All of my families have supported me immeasurably over the years and especially over these past three months.
• a job that's not just a job but a calling, a ministry. I'm proud to be a teacher like my mom.
• parents who taught me what life is all about. They lived to give of themselves to others. I don't know if I'll ever make it, but I hope to live up to their example someday.
• memories. In my office are boxes of photos that remind me of my childhood. I fear I'll forget those sweet memories, so I'm glad that we have those keepsakes to help me recall those precious days.
• football. My favorite stress-reliever is also a great distraction. Even though it means being away from my family on Thanksgiving, I'm thankful to have a non-traditional holiday celebration at tomorrow's tailgate, a place that does not remind me of Mom. I'm also looking forward to cheering, clapping, high-fiving, and yes, SCREAMING tomorrow night at the game!
• family recipes. If I can't be with my family, I can at least have broccoli-rice casserole to remind me of our family gatherings.
• our home. My housekeeping has been rather lackluster lately, but even all my clutter can't obscure my love of our house! It suits us so well. These days, I'm glad to have this safe haven, this cocoon.
• new life. My niece and her husband added three little girls to our family 13 months ago, and those sweethearts have brought us so much joy! This afternoon, Cara and Jeff added a little boy to their family. My heart overflows with happiness for their family of six and for the grandparents, the great-grandparents, and all of us who will get to love on these children.
• my heavenly Father who gave me all of these and countless—literally! can't count 'em all!—blessings.