Things I am thankful for

emeraldkity4 · October 14, 2005, 5:06pm

OMG- my daughter just walked out of her room with ties in her hair made out of shower scrubbies! ( I think it was supposed to curl it)

Anyway- I wanted to start a thread on things we appreciate- not about our kids necessarily- but about life- the world- what we have learned…
I hear from some people that they think the world is going to heck in a handbasket ( hardly an original observation), but I think that we are still moving along as a race- making some colossal blunders to be sure, but still making some great leaps in tolerance- humanity & forethought.

One thing I am thankful for is the electronic auto key- I love being able to open the door from 15 ft away without having to put everything down.

I also appreciate the cellphone- yes I put off getting one till last year- but being able to track down my kids if not my husband ( he doesn’t remember to charge his), to be able to go through my random voice mail messages of politicans exhorting me to vote while I am walking the dog, and to be able to call the home cordless phone so that I can track it down, is truly a step saver.

I appreciate that my husband is in his 8th year of being sober, that I have a car that is reliable and that I can afford to put gas in it ( also that I can take a bus or walk usually if I don’t feel like driving…and I have an extra three hours to spare), and that it looks like my daughter will be graduating college this year!

I am thankful that Sadie our wonderful 11 year old black lab, is doing well, she is a big part of our family.
I am thankful that my mother, never gave me sugar till my younger brother was 2 or so, so that I don’t have the taste buds that crave it, like some of my friends who can’t leave it alone.

I am happy that our daughters are able to benefit from title IX, and particpate in sports teams. I am thankful that my younger daughter is on a soccer team that she loves and has been with the same wonderful superlative coach for 6 years

I am truly grateful that my 15 yr old who I just dropped downtown to go shopping with her friends before the homecoming game and dance, has great friends, really nice thoughtful girls who she has had for friends since grade school.
So lets add to what we are thankful for.
No caveats- no- I do appreciate this even though …
We really have a lot to be grateful for and appreciate & I want to hear from students too-:)

celebrian25 · October 14, 2005, 5:14pm

I am thankful to have a loyal, even at her old age, dog, who has always been in my memories for as long as I can remember. I am thankful for a new puppy who bounces around like a spring toy.

I am thankful for football friday nights when I get to see my friends who I don’t see very often. I am thankful for friends who I am just as close to even though we aren’t together as much as we wish we were.

I am thankful for an older sister who understands the responsibilites and privelges of being the oldest. I am thankful for a brother who makes me laugh when I am sad. I am thankful for a little sister who is so different from me. I am thankful for a father who tries to be there as much as possible even though I no longer live with him. I am thankful for a mother who works two jobs so my siblings and I can have a good life.

I appreciate the girl who sits beside me befriending me knowing I don’t know anyone else in the class. I appreciate getting college mail and knowing this is the last time mail won’t equal bills. I appreciate an extended family that has done a lot to stay together.

I am happy to be able to happy. :p

curmudgeon · October 14, 2005, 5:23pm

I’m thinking. I’m thinking. But before I post anything- Celebrian, if you wrote your essays half as well as you conveyed your thankfulness in the post above, you have scored some major essay points. That was wonderfully done.

jmmom · October 14, 2005, 5:34pm

^^ I’ll second that opinion. And thankfully.

latetoschool · October 14, 2005, 6:13pm

October mornings. They’re unbelievably beautiful.

wyogal · October 14, 2005, 6:18pm

Things I am thankful for:
A place to live which allows me to pretend that I don’t live inside the megalopolis even though I do.
A marriage that has lasted 31 years.
My H celebrated his 20th anniversary last spring-congrats to ek4’s DH, that’s awesome.
That Wyoming hasn’t been overrun by Californians like Colorado has, if you don’t count Jackson. (which btw I’ve never been able to understand)
That I was raised with a strong work ethic which has allowed my sons to enjoy privileges that I did not have as a child.

Not to mention a ton of other stuff (this could go on for days). Good thread ek4.

northeastmom · October 14, 2005, 6:25pm

I am thankful for our family’s health.

I am thankful for my children’s general happiness. They really are happy kids.

I am thankful for the times that we are all together, for example, around the dinner table.

I am thankful for some kind adults who have come into my children’s lives.

I am thankful for my children’s religious education, even though they do not currently appreciate it.

OrangeBlossom · October 14, 2005, 6:55pm

I am thankful to have been my father’s only child; he was a wonderful man, brimming with hardwork, determination, humor, and love for everyone and everything around him. And, oh that smile and laugh. They would light a room. I remember the lessons of fairness and equality he taught me. I remember his faith in me…the best tape a parent could ever place in a child’s mind. I miss him terribly.

I am thankful to still have my mom; she’s a bit delicate now, but a resilient woman. She’s taught me a lot about strength with grace. She’s taught me a lot about family and honor and responsibility, the kind that comes selflessly from within. I can’t imagine life without her.

I am thankful to have known and loved my beloved in-laws; both gone now, they were a great “Fred and Ginger” couple, southerners by birth. My mother-in-law was a true renaissance woman, a world traveler, who exuded a quiet strength. She marveled at all the world has to offer, from traveling the silk road…to boarding a zodiac boat to explore antarctica in her 80s. An amazing woman. My father-in-law was a very simple individual, who saw God’s glory in the sunrise, an unexpected spring rain, a tiny chipmunk named “Charlie.” In the latter years of his life he battled a series of debilitating illnesses, and never once cursed his lot. He was a many of bountiful grace, and a terrific dancer. I miss them both now.

I am thankful for my dear son, who came to us via adoption in 1988 when I thought there would never be a baby in my arms. I am grateful for the joys of watching him grow and the pains of watching me grow. He’s my only child, so when he leaves, there will be a cold and silent place in my home, but the ever promising hope of grandchildren down the road.

I am thankful for my husband, not for what we were 32 years ago when were married, but for the struggles of a lifetime that have brought us to this place. I respect him for never giving up. We are bent, but not broken.

I am thankful for my dear Grandfather Marcello, a crazy Italian farmer who grew his own grapes to make his own wine…a man who pretended to eat tomato worms to watch me recoil in horror…and a man who lovingly taught me to draw stick horse figures and eat peach ice cream. Oh, how I love you still.

I am thankful for all my dear animals. My Kippy, Cleo, Mark, Chochee, Muffin, Squiggy, Paladin, Rusty, and Walker. They are my furry little people who have given me so much over the years. Only Walker remains, the only black lab mix I know who hates water. She’s such a good girl. She’s my constant companion; never demanding, never complaining…just a pleasure to share a space with.

I am thankful for Rebecca Satterlee, my high school French teacher who taught me to live life with tremendous zest. She channeled life through every pore of her body. I remember her youthfulness and vigor, even though she was old. She was the turning point in my life.

Oh, and before I forget, I’m thankful for Red Skelton and Victor Borge and Lewis Black. They kept/keep it real.

Finally, I am thankful for all the texture of my life. Some I didn’t appreciate so much when it was happening, but which was somehow instrumental in making me who I am.

emeraldkity4 · October 14, 2005, 6:57pm

Thank you so much guys- this is really bringing a smile to my face :)

reeses414 · October 14, 2005, 8:33pm

I have to post in this thread. :)

I am thankful for a wonderful family. I can call them whenever I want, tell them anything, and even ask to come home for a few days, and they won’t mind.

I am thankful for the coolest dog in the world who goes wild when I come home for the weekend. It makes me feel missed. I am also thankful for my cat who I can cuddle with when I’m at home. :)

I am thankful for being able to attend an awesome university: the University of Michigan. I know that I’m receiving a great balance of education and extracurricular/social activities and am going to have a few wonderful years.

I am thankful for the Mentorship Program, Dance Marathon, and the Squirrel Club. 'Nuff said. :)

I am thankful for the fact that it’s finally Fall (Study) Break, and I don’t have to worry about going to class for four days. Instead, I’ll be studying for those classes and hanging out with friends. (Oh yeah. I am also thankful for my Apple PowerBook which has not failed me yet.)

I am thankful for my old friends from high school who Instant Message me when I’m online. I love hearing about how their lives are going while still being able to stay in contact with them.

I am thankful for my new friends which I’ve been making since last summer. They’re awesome people, and I love knowing that I’m starting to have a solid social circle around me again. It’s very comforting.

Umm… That’s all I can think for right now. :)

alwaysamom · October 14, 2005, 9:26pm

Great idea, emeraldkity. :)

I’m thankful for my daughters and how close we are. I’m thankful for how different each of them is and for giving me so much happiness in the 24 years I’ve been a mom. I’m thankful for their passion and for their compassion for others. I’m thankful for the kind-hearted young adults that they are.

I’m thankful for my H and for the 31 years of marriage we’ve had, for his hard work and for his success. I’m thankful for the ability I had to stay home with my children and to do so much volunteering in their schools, and in the community.

I am thankful everyday for my mom who is healthy. I’m thankful for my stepfather who has given her more happiness in one third the number of years that my actual father did in double the number of years with her. I’m thankful for the adult perspective looking back on my family life as a child. I still marvel at the relationship I had with my grandmother, my only grandparent, when I was young. It helped shape me into who I am today.

I’m thankful for the beautiful maple trees which have finally started to change to that brilliant orange foliage. I’m thankful for living near the water and smelling that fresh smell every morning. I’m thankful for my books, for my study which is my sanctuary, for my dogs, and for the beautiful impatiens which still stubbornly grow in my garden even amongst the falling leaves.

I’m thankful for the group of friends I’m returning to after a few years away; a group which all raised our children together; who volunteered together, organizing pizza days and having the playground structure built at our elementary school; who shared days in the school library and computer room.

On a more philosophical note, I’m thankful for changes in society which have made it easier for gay kids to be accepted and loved. One of my best friends in high school was gay and his life was horrifically difficult for many years prior to an early, and equally horrific death. I’ve worked very hard for years so that kids don’t have to have that kind of experience any longer, fighting intolerant and hateful attitudes.

Lastly, I’m thankful for a nice pot of Earl Grey tea and a few Lorna Doone cookies, which I’m enjoying right now. :)

momof3teens · October 14, 2005, 9:29pm

EK4 happy happy idea— celebrian,you brought happy tears to my eyes-thank you

<pre><code> I am thankful for my H of 20+ years who has been battling cancer for 10 years.

  I am thankful for my DH family, they have been so good to us, better in every way. I can't even think of words eloquent enough to say what they all( and there are a good number of them) have meant to me over the past decade.

   I am thankful for three beautiful, nice, loving children who light up each day of my life in many INTERESTING ways.

   I am thankful for you new CC friends who have provided me and my senior S with so much great advice.

</code></pre>

bandit_TX · October 14, 2005, 9:52pm

After spending the last 5 years working and traveling in Great Britain, I’m thankful our society gives people the freedom to pursue their dreams, including higher education, with virtually no interference. In the UK, students are essentially told who can go to college, and where. There are a number of other freedoms that we take for granted that British society has long since lost. In general, they don’t even realize what they’ve given away.

And, of course, thank you for the best kid in the world :)

jmmom · October 14, 2005, 10:04pm

I am thankful for the wonderful friendships I have enjoyed - some quickly latched onto and some slowly developed over time, each just as precious.

I am thankful for the new - and everpresent - type of friendship which I have learned of and revelled in here on cc.

I am thankful for my father. I was truly one of the lucky ones, although I only had him for 21 years. I am thankful for my mother, whom I never truly appreciated while she walked this earth. I am thankful that I lived long enough to appreciate her, who she was and what she did. I hope you’re up there watching, Mom.

I am thankful for my DS who arrived as a miracle bundle late enough in life that I thought it might not happen. I am thankful for my DH who, having been a teenage dad and shouldering the responsibilities of parenthood instead of enjoying the carefree college and twenty-something life, willingly agreed to start all over again in his forties. Happy empty nest, DH. It’s your turn.

I am thankful to have been granted a resilient and optimistic life view and to have passed it on, at least in part, to my DS. We are using it in spades through the Tulane-Katrina adventure and grateful that our Katrina burdens have been small.

I am grateful to be a witness to the outpouring of generosity by those around me, almost 2000 miles from the Gulf Coast, who have given of their time, energy and material fortunes to help those whose Katrina burdens have been much greater.

I am grateful every day to see the beautiful things which others do, such as EK4 starting this thread, celebrian showing up immediately to present to us the best of the younger generation, and everyone else who comes here to jump on the bandwagon.

tega · October 14, 2005, 10:33pm

I am grateful to my mother who has worked so hard all her life to make sure that I get the best education that she can afford.

I am thankful for all the opportunities in my life.

I grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way to get to where I am right now.

Most importantly I am thankful to God for giving me the determination to succeed.

SBmom · October 14, 2005, 11:39pm

I am thankful for my parents who got me off to a good start and were just screwed up enough to launch my sense of humor.

I am thankful for my grandmother who was my soul mate and who always displayed perfect love, patience, pride, generosity.

I am thankful for my sister, my best friends, and my husband who between them really know me, understand me, support me, and give me joy.

I am thankful to my education which opened the treasure box of life for me.

I am thankful for a book to get lost in, indoor plumbing (hot baths!), Paris, chocolate chip cookies, the smell of a dyptique candle, a great game of doubles, belly laughs, a dry, big cabernet.

I am thankful for my children. One DD (not my biology but very much my heart) and two DSs. I am thankful for being able to be pregnant with and to breastfeed the two boys; what an adventure. I have been blessed to have such excellent, fun, challenging, interesting, beautiful, loving kids and to have the treat of watching them grow as their proud mama.

I am thankful that my husband is neat and he cooks very well!!

I am thankful for my health and my mind. I am thankful for a bountiful world with so much to see, learn, and know. I am thankful for my happy life. I am thankful that the next 45 years look enticing!

over30 · October 14, 2005, 11:51pm

The almost elderly gentleman who does maintenance work in my office building got on the elevator with me today. I’m going to co-opt his response to my “how are you?” He got a big smile on his face and said “Thanks for asking. I’m just great. I woke up this morning.”

emeraldkity4 · October 15, 2005, 12:03am

I realize I might have sounded kind of shallow with my appreciation of technology-but it has made a big difference in my life

Not only can I call my kids at anytime of the day- I can email the principal of my daughters school and he will get back to me that day-
something that definitely wasn’t available when I was in school.

Without technology, My oldest who was born early- wouldn’t even be
here let alone doing as well as she has.

It has made possible the communication from people from different backgrounds/parts of the world, to relate one on one, to show each other that no matter what our name is, or the circumstances to which we are born, we all have the same concerns, our community, our families.

( cut for ranting) I have to say, Bill Gates is an amazing man. To have philanthropy as high on his list as it is- I read the Gates foundation is the largest charitable organization in the world,Melissa and Bills foundation is making a difference and it is wonderful to see.

I appreciate so much the folks in my own neighborhood- many of them are older and have taught me to appreciate things that I might have not have given enough attention to.
I am thankful that the dandelions have stopped blooming.
I am thankful that my family doesn’t ( usually ) expect me to be June Cleaver. ( or Martha !)
I am thankful to listen to the next generation coming up on these boards- we have some very thoughtful amazing people here.
I am thankful for all the opinions on these boards- I think CC is a great place- and is a valuable forum for positive if sometimes contentious discussion. ;)

berurah · October 15, 2005, 1:59am

I am thankful for having emerged relatively emotionally intact from a hideously dysfunctional birth family.

I am thankful for having a husband who KNEW why having a big family was important to me, who shared and supported that choice, and who realized why I NEEDED the opportunity to do this “right”.

I am thankful for a husband who has worked so hard so that we could raise this family in the best way that we know how.

I am thankful that despite the fact that my husband grew up in a family that did not value education and despite the fact that he did not ever finish a college degree, he fully understands the value of it for our children and has worked tirelessly to make sure that they have the best opportunities available to them.

I am thankful that I was able to carry and nurture a new life six times.

I am thankful for my first son who, despite a challenging pregnancy and a full-term birth weight of only 5 lbs. 6 oz., continues to “beat the odds” in nearly everything that he does. I am thankful for the expansion of my universe that raising him has ignited and for the absolute joy I’ve experienced from seeing him pursue his passions.

I am thankful for my oldest daughter who loves me like possibly NO OTHER human being on this planet does, who spent her VERY first paycheck on a tempur-pedic pillow for me just because she wanted me to have one, and who holds our family together like Krazy Glue.

I am thankful for my middle daughter who was born smiling, who social smiled to strangers at a mere 2.5 weeks old, whose enthusiam, cheerfulness, love of people and adventurous nature make her stand out in every crowd. She wants to become a pediatric oncologist so that she can combine two of her greatest interests…children and medicine.

I am thankful for my middle son, who can be quiet and shy in front of others but who is perhaps the most intuitive of all of my children. He is an independent spirit; he doesn’t care what others think, and he can stand alone against a crowd and still be considered “cool”. He is mischievous and has that special twinkle in his eye…the girls LOVE him!

I am thankful for my youngest daughter…she lights up every room she enters. Her delicate and beautiful face masks the mighty child within! She’s headstrong and stubborn, but her optimistic and cheerful nature dominates–she can make even the biggest grouch smile!

I am thankful for my baby, my youngest son, without whom our family would have been incomplete. I still look at him with wonder and awe…I watch him sleep, his little cheeks still full and round like a preschooler’s, though he is in second grade. His keen sense of humor and quick wit entertain us all!

I am thankful for our pets–our dogs Patch and Diva and brand new Shiloh, the tiny beagle my oldest daughter just got today! And for our cats who somehow found us…Dory and Winnifred (Winnie or WeeWee).

There is not a day that goes by that I do not stop for a few seconds and consciously appreciate the health and general happiness that each member of our family has.

I am thankful for the respect that my children show me by being the best people they can possbily be.

And my friends…what can I say? They have sustained me, been the family that I do not have, the support that would have come my way if I had been born into a “normal” family. They are precious to me and as loved as any family has ever been.

Like emeraldkity, I am thankful for technology! I am thankful for my computer, my digital camera, my cell phone and everything else that makes me seem so much geographically closer to my college son than I really am lol!

I am thankful that just when I’ve had one too many negative experiences and I’m becoming overly cynical, I will be absolutely bowled over by the kindness of a stranger or a stranger turned friend…someone who steps in and does something so amazing and unexpected that I just HAVE to believe in goodness again (pssssst–thanks, once again, to a couple of you on these boards who have done these things for me recently! :))

I am thankful each and every day that our old fleet of cars runs…our newest car is a 1993, so one car or another is often in the shop–hence the thankfulness when they’re not! lol

And not that this is on par with the rest of the stuff I’ve mentioned, but I would not be wholly truthful if I didn’t say how much I appreciate good FOOD. Yep, I am a FOOD LOVER!!! Our whole family is…what can I say? Oh well, there you have it. YAY for really, really GREAT FOOD!!!;)

~berurah

HImom · October 15, 2005, 2:44am

I am grateful for a warm and cozy shelter for me & my loved ones, enough health to enjoy waking every morning, enough joys to help through tough times, enough challenges to stay strong, the fascinating changes that continuously occur in our lives, and the love of many wonderful people–family, friends, and future friends and acquaintances. This world is the best world I’ve ever lived in!

Things I am thankful for

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