Happy Thanksgiving!

Last year, Thanksgiving put life into perspective.

Last year, my father had a heart attack Thanksgiving morning and drove himself to the hospital.

Last year, my father almost died....but, he didn't.

After multiple surgeries, life support, and months of rehab, my father is alive, functional, and very much still a HUGE part of my life. Today, while I am thankful for the 'usual' stuff, I am totally giving thanks because my father lives, and walks, and sings!

I learned to appreciate the 'little' things in life.  With all we went through, I learned to love my sister, even more than I thought I ever could have loved her.

I also learned to grieve.  I lost my best friend, but I learned that if you love someone with all your heart, while they are here, and are thankful for them while they are with you, you can deal with their death so much easier and can even make wonderful things happen in their memory.  I am so thankful I had a best friend like her...and I am so glad I cherished her while she was here.  I am most thankful that I am able to continue to spend time with her family and continue to grow with everything that she taught me.

...and of course, I learned that another Thanksgiving meant another year alive!

Today, I am celebrating life...and everything in it...and I am celebrating my love for our God....for without Him,  none of anything would be possible.

Happy Thanksgiving!