Top on my list is a loving, supporting family. Throughout my life, I have never doubted that my parents were my biggest supporters. While we have encountered some challenging times (and quite frankly, still do), without their trust, encouragement, and guidance, I would not be where I am today. They challenged me to do my best, they allowed me to follow my own path. The taught me the importance of honesty, integrity, and compassion; hard-work, dedication, loyalty. Because of this, I feel free to take trips to places like Kazakhstan. I dare to dream of a life that doesn't fit into any mold. I know that love is the greatest gift we can share. I know that I will always have a place that I can call home.
Now, I have to give credit to a few other members of my family...actually, quite a few. I look back on my childhood and realize that I didn't just have my parents looking after me, but a whole slew of aunts and uncles (even great-aunts and great-uncles), not to mention both sets of my grandparents. We are a weird bunch, one that I often question how it is even possible that we function in the real world, or how we work together for that matter. But, we do. As the majority of us were gathered around the table (sadly, my parents were unable to join us) enjoying a delicious feast prepared by many capable hands, there was no complaining, no whining. No one jockeying for the last bits of dressing or criticizing the quality of the gravy (not that it was in need of criticism). I am so fortunate that the rifts in our family our so few, and I pray that at some point everyone experiences the same sense of love and belonging. To belong to a family with so many whom I would love and respect even if they were not my relatives is rare. For them to treat me as a friend as well is my great fortune.
I have to give a special shout out to my grandmother, the one with whom I still live, and my grandfather down in Texas. My dad's mom has the best humor and luckily doesn't take herself too seriously...I think it has allowed her to survive her five sons AND the abuse she receives from her granddaughter. (Considering how many of my co-workers think she spends her days plotting her next liquor store robber, perhaps I am the worst offender)
As for my grandpa in Texas--while I may dream of some fairly ambitious things, he encourages me to take it one step further. Whether he is encouraging me to buy a motorcycle to drive cross-country or to make my way down the Mississippi on a small raft (he promised me he would pay bail any time I was arrested for stealing chickens), my grandpa has always believed I could do anything I wanted...even rule the world..with a little hard work and dedication...and if I became an accountant.
Without my family, I would have never learned what it means to be a friend. And without my friends, I would lead a boring, miserable life. I have such a diverse group of friends that I cannot even begin to describe how each one adds color to my life. I can say this though about each and every person I call my friend. They are intelligent, compassionate, witty, and fun. They all possess beautiful souls and are so incredibly generous and humble. They all in some way help me to be a better version of myself, challenging me to stretch and grow. I often think I take far more than I could ever give, and even in this, they seem not to mind. It gets harder to maintain friendships as you get older, and I admit that some of the people about whom I cared greatly are disappearing into the background. That doesn't lessen my gratitude for them because even those who are a part of my past have given me so much to help me create my future.
I am thankful for my job. As frustrating and challenging (and occasionally monotonous) as it can be, it is still a company that recognizes the importance of its employees. It recognizes the value of its consumers. It gives generously to local non-profits, promoting education, the arts, the food pantry, and so much more. Even better, I get to work with some of the most creative minds in America. Daily, I am astounded by the genius that surrounds me, particularly my little group of co-workers in our department who never fail to make smile. Goodness knows what it is like to go to work with people you don't care about on a day-to-day basis. I am not sure if I could do that for very long...
And I could go on for so very long with the remaining things I am thankful for, but I will try to make the last few things quick:
- Health
- Financial Stability
- Books (particularly mysteries that keep me up way past my bedtime)
- Libraries
- Bread and Cheese
- The ability to travel just about anywhere I want
- Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens (not particularly, but just checking to see if you were paying attention still)
- Wales and all the amazing people with whom I studied while over there (Dw i eisiau mynd i Gymru!)
- Laughter
- My stuffed rabbit
- So many wonderful memories
Okay...that is it. I have run out of steam on this. And I know that this entire post has been one big cliche, I don't care. Because, the truth is I want people to know this. I want my friends to know how much they mean to me. I want my family to know that I recognize just how crucial their love and support has been. And I want the world to see that I am only who I am, at least the very best of who I am, because I have been so very fortunate.
"...and if I became an accountant." I love this! It really is cool to stop and think about all of the things we're truly thankful for. I, for one, am thankful for you and the ability we have (when not so busy) to chat the day away. :-)
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