Friday, November 25, 2011

Giving Thanks

My blogging group is made up of artists, writers, entrepreneurs, retired actors, illustrators, moms, political activists, dog rescuers and computer experts – and that’s just two of them (I kid).  All have great hearts and I am fortunate to call them my friends.  Occasionally, the group comes up with a “challenge” and we write about a particular topic.  Last month, we wrote a list of random things about ourselves (and I did one for Robert as well).  Appropriately enough, this month we are writing about what we are grateful for.  For starters, I am grateful to be a part of such a diverse, passionate, kind group of individuals!

I think the rest of what I am so grateful for can be summed up in one word: “family.”  (No, the blog post is not ending now.  Have you ever known me to write a short post?).   I couldn’t ask for a better family.  Everyone always says that but I actually really do have the best family and I hope you think you have the best family too because there’s enough room for a lot of “best” families.  Why am I so grateful for my family?
1.       I’m grateful to my husband for his clever ideas.  “Leave the plastic wrap on the new sofa bed mattress that Robert is going to sleep on.”  Brilliant.  Hubby just saved us $30 for a mattress cover.  I’m also grateful that he is willing to spend the day with Robert (and have a great time, too!) so I can hang out with my daughter shopping.
2.       I’m grateful for my daughter.  Yeah, she’s 22 and we were supposed to have gone through that difficult period where mothers and daughters don’t get along but we missed it because we were laughing so much. 

3.       Even though he sometimes drives me crazy because he doesn’t pick up on the life lessons I’m trying to teach him, I am grateful for my step-son.  He chose to join the Air Force and I am thankful to him for his commitment to our country.  Now, about that money you owe me. . .  

4.       I am grateful to my step-daughter who is strong-willed and opinionated (hmm, sounds like someone I know!) but would have all of our backs if the situation called for it.  

5.       I can’t forget how thankful I am to all of our animals (of course, they are part of the family)! Years ago, my mom called our house “Noah’s Ark” because of the menagerie we had.  We still have a slew of animals and I couldn’t imagine life without any of them.

6.       I’m grateful to my Other Brother.  Other Brother and I have been close since our mom brought him home from the hospital close to five decades ago and I would climb into his crib to take care of him.  I can always count on his sound advice and good sense whenever I need it and know that no matter how busy we get with our lives, we can make each other laugh within two seconds of seeing each other.

7.       I am grateful to my in-laws, especially my mother-in-law because she became friends with my mom when Hubby and I first married and has always been a mom to me but even more so after my mom died.  I treasure her for that.

8.       I’m grateful for Robert.  We were never close growing up but in these last few years he has taught me to slow down and appreciate the little things (like a good card game and a brain that doesn’t randomly misfire).  He has also shown me how someone can be happy with nothing more than a word search puzzle, a great sense of humor and his belief in God. 

9.       I am also grateful for the friendships I have and consider these friends a part of my family.  My best friend is there for me whether I am happy, cranky or overwhelmed and knows exactly what to do in each situation (which usually involves coffee or chocolate).  I am truly grateful for my friendships with other caregivers who have enriched my life this past year.  I am forever indebted to them.

I am grateful for all of these people not just this month or just on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year. 
Thank you for indulging me this expression of gratitude.  Even though Thanksgiving is over, please grab a piece of leftover pie and share what you are thankful for. 

6 comments:

Heidi Alberti & Atticus Uncensored said...

ah, a wonderful Thanksgiving post, Trish! Isn't fantastic to have so many reasons to be grateful? I love the way you describe your relationship with your daughter -- laughing!

& I completely agree with you about our blogging group -- a magnificent group of talented folks!

Happy holidays to you & the entire family, Trish!

xxxooo

Heidi & Atticus

Anonymous said...

Hi...

Great list Trish ...:-)

I'm so THANKFUL the tummy flu virus has exited the premises!!...he was one nasty uninvited visitor this Thanksgiving...

But, despite that, I got to spend 4 days with youngest son, my daughter in law and 2 youngest grandkids. Always treasure those moments.

Jason did so well thru this chaotic Thansgiving, he is feeling a lot better today. Despite being ill with the flu, he only had a couple seizures. Usually, he seizures more.

Basically, just THANKFUL for Jason's good health besides the seizures, THANKFUL for my other 2 sons, who grew up into wonderful young, responsible adults, husbands and fathers, THANKFUL for 2 daughter in laws who actually like me and treat me with respect...:-):-): and of, course so THANKFUL for my 5 grandkids who being joy and laughter every time they come thru the front door.

Those 5 grandkids love their Uncle Jason so much and treat him with such kindness and understanding it just brings tears to my eyes thinking about it...they are great ambassadors for spreading Epilepsy Awareness even without knowing they are doing so...when they bring friends with them, you can tell they have explained to their friends all about Uncle Jason and their friends have no hesitation about being around Jason or fear of the seizuring.

Anyway, that's my THANKFUL List, but i didn't grab that piece of pie yet...maybe this afternoon with a cup of tea and then just sit and listen to the quiet...:-):-):-)

Linda Andersen

Trish Hughes Kreis said...

Linda, What a wonderful list! I love that the grandkids are their own epilepsy awareness ambassadors!! I was sorry to hear about the flu outbreak in your household but glad it's over. I always worry about Robert when he gets sick because his fever tends to spike to a scary level. We've been lucky he hasn't been sick in a while (knock on wood!). :-) Thank you for sharing your list. You really have a wonderful family and much to be thankful for. Enjoy that pie later!

Trish Hughes Kreis said...

Heidi, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family & pups! My daughter brings me so much joy and we have such fun together. I'm very lucky. Have a great weekend!

Other Brother said...

I'm thankful for an Older Sister that holds the family together and makes a wonderful Thanksgiving meal (even with vegetarian gravy).

Trish Hughes Kreis said...

Ahh, thanks, bro. Don't forget those delicious mashed potatoes with the new recipe. :-)