Always Give Thanks...

The countdown to Thanksgiving has begun. In four days, millions of Americans will sit down with family and friends to give thanks for the blessings in their lives. For some of those people, it may be the ONLY time they give thanks. For others, like myself,  it is a time of reflection and raising a voice in praise for all the good things that have come their way. On the eve of this great holiday, I'd like to share with you my THANKS FOR GIVING list:

To my GUARDIAN ANGEL...thanks for giving me a second chance at living. If anyone has read my story in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: ANGELS AMONG US, you will know what I'm talking about. Life can seem meaningless at times and broken spirits can walk dangerously close to the abyss when they are hurting. My life could have been forever changed all those years ago except for the intervention of a loving God and a guardian angel who quite literally gave me a chance to begin again.

To my MOTHER...thanks for doing the best you could in a horrible situation. Your strength and pioneer spirit when I was a child wasn't clear to me but time dulled the pain and wiped the blinders from my eyes so that I might see you in the proper light. Right or wrong, you gave birth to me and I am proud to say that no matter what, I always showed you the proper respect while you were on this Earth.

To my EX-HUSBAND...thanks for giving me my son. He is one of the most precious things in my life and my greatest joy. Not all relationships can become the way people want them to be and I've always wished you health and happiness...even when it was safest for our futures not to travel the same path. 

To the DOUBTERS in my life...thanks for challenging me with your words. Whether from cruelty or misunderstanding, every negative thought sent my way only fueled the fire within me to overcome the obstacles in my life. Even if it took a long time, I was challenged to remain strong to the person I wanted to be and can be proud my personal goals over the years have been met while my integrity has never been compromised.

To my FRIENDS...thanks for accepting me just as I am. No one is perfect and God knows I have many faults, but at the end of the day I can still look around and know there are people in the world who care about me. People willing to share the good as well as the bad and who are not afraid to stand by me when the going gets tough.

To my GOD...thanks for constantly watching over me and those I love. I have always seen you as a loving, forgiving being and I have devoted my life to helping others in your honor. I know LIFE can be hard but despite the struggles of my own personal journey, I have always believed YOU will never give me more than I can bear.

I wish the world good health and happiness, love and joy, and a future bright with the promise of a peaceful tomorrow. What more could anyone ask for?