Thanksgiving 2007

It was a hard decision to make - not going to Mom's for Thanksgiving. There were many factors, but when I sorted it all out, I knew I needed to stay in Rochester. It's not ideal to be separated from family during holidays. How much worse not to have family to spend the holidays with! I am sure there are those who don't have a Drew to share the doin's of the day with. One thing I have discovered. When you are feeling down or blue, take a look at what you do have - the old 'count your many blessings' adage. So this year, I thought I would take a moment to document all the things I am blessed with. Be warned, I plan to be as comprehensive as I can, so I don't expect anyone to really read through this list! Here goes:

I am grateful for:

* a brand new grand daughter!!! Kathleen Danielle born at 5 something am, 7 lbs someodd ounces, 21 " long, and doing well. She came into the world ahead of schedule, and with little warning. Welcome, my sweet little girl! Can't wait to meet you!
*Shannon is doing well, and I am sure she is glad little Katie has arrived

*my boys are doing well

*my parents are in relatively good health (dad has a kidney stone at the moment, but it is passing)

*Being alive!

*No cancer.

*Drew.

*My sisters - I appreciate all four of them, Jael, Jan, Sue and Mary.

*A great job.

*Opportunities to perform music.

*A keyboard in my apartment.

*A grand piano at my disposal for practicing.

*A choir to work with.

*Good friends who call me often.

*Paying my bills.

*A roof over my head.

*a Great car!

*new shoes (sometimes you can't afford to get them when you need them!)

*a warm winter coat, scarf, gloves, and hat

*an ergonomic backpack

*living close to work (both jobs)

*Drew has friends who come over often

*Kiel is getting free tuition! yeah

*I can shop at Wegmans! yeah

*great parks nearby where I can hike

*good food to eat - and so many varieties available year round


*I am not working in a hospital laundry (boy, that was a tough job - concrete floors, hot steam, long hours, and grumpy women to work with)


*I am not closing at either Mc Donalds or the doughnut shop - food places are not easy places to work either!
*I can go to so many free concerts.
*I have a huge window in my apartment (I don't think I could live without big windows!)
*I am able to get around myself and am not wheelchair bound
*I am feeling better every day
*Jairus House is underway and making progress, albeit slow.
*The church I attend in not in conflict
*I have the freedom to travel where I want to go
*I have a great education
*I am blessed to have graduate education
*We are not in the middle of a depression
*I have not lost my life's savings in a bank failure (I knew a lot of retired couples who faced that in Tulsa during the oil bust)
*I have been able to live in a number of different states
*I don't have Alzheimer's
*I can help others in many ways - I have money to give, strength to assist, time to donate
*The possibilities are endless for exploring other areas of interest
*We have not one but several really good libraries nearby with excellent collections
*I can take classes at the seminary next semester
*My Gram made a beautiful quilt that is hanging on my wall.
*I have nice furniture
*I have a comfortable bed
*I have a comfortable chair to sit in
*My office is well appointed
*I work in a brand new building
*Christmas is coming! (Not every country celebrates that)
*I can afford to buy gifts for Christmas
*I can still cut my own nails
*My hair is growing back
*My scars are less ugly
*I breathe well
*My blood pressure is treatable and improving every day
*I have a pcp
*I have lots of good CDs to listen to
*I have time to listen!

I could go on and on, but most of all, I want to thank God that things are so good.

Happy Thanksgiving!!