Giving Thanks

There are so many people and things to be thankful for this year. Our family has had hard times in the last 2 months with the passing of 2 truly great people. I think that makes me want to cherish what we have all the more. I am so very thankful for all the family, friends, neighbors and some near strangers who helped us thru those first weeks. I honestly don't know how we would have made it without each and every one of them. Some how, everyone knew what we would need and when we would need it...from big things like babysitting at the funerals, all the way down to the loaf of bread that I forgot to pick up at the grocery, & not yet an hour later there one was...just handed to me from the blue along with dinner, without my even saying I had forgotten it. Or just letting me privately vent via some incredibly long text messages (and amusingly disturbing ones at that).

I am thankful for my parents. They provide so much love and support and friendship.
I am thankful for my children. Even with all their quirks, attitudes and sometimes overwhelming issues, they are my everything. I live and breathe for them.
And I am thankful for all those who remain quietly in the background, but they're there if I need them.
But ever in the forefront is Craig. Always providing whatever our family needs. Whatever I need. Holding my hand, sometimes to pull me forward, sometimes to reel me back in. Loving me even when I don't listen, thinking "I told you so" but almost never saying it. I cannot imagine life without him. I hope I never have to.