Thanksgiving, 2014

     I have much to be grateful for. Starting with myself, I am grateful to be alive and well, happy that I am not dependent on anyone, that I can still get up and make my breakfast without burning the house down, without sitting and holding my head unable to decide what I want to eat. Everyone has choices, I am thankful that I still know how to implement that ability.

     I am thankful that my daughter Judi is close by, in good health and enjoying her independence.  Also she helps me, I see her at least once a week and speak with her every day.  I need to take moments, more frequently, to be thankful that we chose Judi years ago and that she is a vital presence in my life, helpful and affectionate as well.  When she pats the top of my head, she says that she is covering my bald spot; I believe that there is affection accompanying those pats.

     I thank the good Lord that I have a grandson.  At the moment he is in trouble, many grandsons put their parents and grandparents through a lot of growing, maturing pains.  This too will pass and we will be able to pick up our connection.  It will be strengthened  and valued, even more tomorrow, than it is today.  I am happy that he is alive and well and eager to show his caring heart.

     I am grateful that I have a hatful of memories, mostly happy ones.  My parents loved me and did their very best to load me with the very best.  I had wonderful guidance and just enough leeway to allow me to grow.  Sure we had our disagreements but I do not believe that we ever carried them through the night.  How good it was that when we discovered we could not have children with our biology, we were smart enough to adopt Judi and her brother Jeff.  Apparently we only borrowed Jeff. He left us after his 43^rd birthday, but has left behind wonderful memories of a dedicated and loving son.  I have great memories of my brother, who died the year before my beloved.. Once we outgrew the pain, the little sister/the big brother know it all stage, we became friends.  As adults we not only loved each other we also shared respect and understanding.

     I am grateful, thankful for my friends who are supportive, loyal, forgiving and loving.  Old people can be cantankerous; I am no exception.  My friends (of a variety of ages) keep me steady, challenged and able to wake up to face the day.  Always & foremost, I am grateful for the wonderful life I enjoyed with Erv, my mate of sixty-two plus years!!!