I am Thankful, Grateful and Everything in Between

Thank you all for the comments these past few days.  Your kind words mean so much!  I'm not sure about anyone else, but I am pretty quiet about my blog when it comes to family.  The only person I know of that reads it all the time is one of my sisters even though one of my brother's follows me too.  I think it's a fear of being judged, misunderstood or not being good enough.  My last post was very personal and through whatever powers that be not only did my Dad find his way there but so did my other brother.  Their concern and support meant so much to me and, although I felt quite exposed, I am grateful that they read it.  It's hard for me to say how I feel and this blog is truly becoming an outlet for me to express what it hurts to say out loud.

As much as I miss my Mom, I was recently reminded that I am not alone.  So many people go through similar situations, it's a sad part of life.  I was also reminded that no matter how bad life seems, someone always has it worse.  I found out yesterday that a young man, Frankie, who I was very close with as a child has brain cancer and the prognosis is not so good.  He's only 18.  I am shocked and it puts into perspective how short life is.  Frankie's life was only just beginning when out of nowhere he and his family got this devastating news.  I can only imagine the devastation his mom feels.  If you'd like to know a little more about Frankie's story please click here.

I am so grateful that my Mom lived a full life.  Complete with kids, a granddaughter, and countless family members who loved her.  I think it's so important during times like this to focus on the many blessings and be grateful for what you have.  I've been thinking about this since yesterday and then I read a post over at TV's Take about being grateful and thought about everything some more. Then I was catching up with Diane at The Mom Stuff Community and she posted a perfect poem that sums up being grateful perfectly so I thought I would share it.  Thank you both for reminding me to focus on the positive!

I am thankful.

For the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato, because he is home with me and not out at the bars.

For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes because it means she is at home, not on the streets.

For the taxes I pay because it means I am employed.

For the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work because it means that I am out in the sunshine.

For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.

For all the complaining I hear about the government because it means we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of parking lot because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating or cooling bill because it means I am comfortable.

For the lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means I am hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing because it means I have clothes to wear.

For the weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been capable of working hard.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means I am alive.

And finally, for too many emails because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.