HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Well, the Holidays are upon us.  Ron lied and told me that he was cut loose and on his way “to the house.”  He sounded weird.  Ron is a terrible liar.  The reason he sounded weird is that despite the snowstorms he was headed to Denver.  I talked to him again when he was 20 minutes out.  He’s now sound asleep after putting in a day that started at 5 am and ended with him in our loving arms. 

So here I am, awake at this hour, thinking of all that we have to celebrate. So here it is:  

MY LIST OF GRATITUDE

My parents.  I’m so lucky to be pushing 60 and to not only have them both still alive but vibrantly in my life.  My Mom called me late last night to tell me who won “Dancing with the Stars” because she knew I was boycotting until I knew for sure that the Bimbo didn’t win.  How funny is that to have a late night call from your Octogenarian Mom late at night about “Dancing with the Stars?”  Then, this afternoon, Dad calls and starts telling me stupid golf jokes...I don’t even understand golf but his cackling was enough to make me laugh my ass off.

My siblings.  Jane who keeps me sane.  Bunny who is always funny.  Andy who is dandy.  And, after all these years, Matt the brat.  I am hoping and praying that his status will change since there’s now one missing. 

With those siblings come some wonderful gifts...thank you, God, for Jen, for Fred, for Cindy and the nieces and nephews who come with that beautiful gift wrapped package.

I am grateful that we will no longer dread what might happen during the holidays.  I am grateful that my brother, Jim, is safe and soft in a place that has taken all his anger and petulance away.  He is home.  He’s no angel. The angels are his loving caretakers.  I really believe that he is “sleeping in Heavenly peace” because he has a while to rest before trying this whole thing again.  I know that I’ll have another go-around in another incarnation and I’m ready for things to click and tick the next time.  Never give up on a soul.

I’m grateful for my wonderful friends who continue to care and support me, even though most of them live far away.  Their response with gifts of love to help Mom and Dad through the crisis with Jim just underscores what I always say...I have incredible, wonderful friends.  I love them and miss them always.

I am grateful that I survived a really nasty surgery.  I am ready for a year without injury, illness or surgery.  I respect all my doctors but I would very much like to miss them.

I am grateful that Jimmy loves his life in Denver and is building a new life in this wonderful place. I have so much fun with him...I hope I’m as crazy and fun for him as Gramma was for Dad.  I want him to be able to tell as many funny stories about me as Dad does about Gramma.  She was and always will be my mentor.

Last but not least, my adorable and wonderful furry kids:  Tillie Marie, Roxy Jane, Carson John, Batman and Addie.  Endless joy on a daily basis.  So I go back to my first gratitude.  It was my parents who instilled this love of animals and, thus, gave me the life-long gift of furry, fuzzy and feathered companions who will grace my life until the day I die.

Thank you God.  Thank you family.  Thank you, Friends.  Happy Thanksgiving.