And He Does the Dishes Too? 0.O #thanksgiving #crohns #family #love

Turkey day is almost upon us and I wanted to share with you some things I am thankful for.

I am very thankful that I am down to just one book to write/ edit instead of writing, polishing, editing, querying, four half-finished books. Now, they've all found homes and with just one last book to finish (#5) to end the Gemini series, I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Writing is my passion. I take the stories in my head and put them down on paper. I would write even if no one read anything because that's what writers do. Now, I can go forward into the future one book at a time. That makes me so happy!!!!

I am thankful for my friends,some of which go back, well, a very long time. They take me to task when I get depressed, remind me of the things I have to be thankful for, and help me launch a book when the thought seems overwhelming. With some, there is a kindred spirit, a sharing of souls and life experience. That is rare my friends and I am very thankful.

I am very grateful my sons and their wives and children have moved to my area. My grandchildren are happy in their schools, they are all doing well, all the adults have jobs, they all have houses, and they all have food on their tables. How much more can a mother ask?

 I am grateful for my daughter. I remember our first years together. We would walk through fields of wild flowers and I would make wreaths to hold her blonde hair in place. OK OK OK. I can hear her yelling at me right now. "BUT MOM! I got WORMS from eating sour grass."  And she did. Now let me tell you...

 I am thankful for my grandchildren. They have taught me how to play. I didn't play much as a kid and when I did, it was filled with grief from the death of my father. When I had kids I was too worried about bringing them up right. With my grandkids, my days are filled with fun. We go rock hunting, treasure hunting, make popcorn, eat brownies, watch movies and have sleep overs. Yep, I am grateful for them.

 I am in awe of my mother-in-law. She is the strongest, most tenacious woman I know. She is my roll model as I grow older.

 I am grateful for my dogs. All of them, even the ones that have gone on to dog heaven. Although my grandson Joshua says dog heaven is silly. Dogs want to be with people not other dogs. In any case, I am grateful for them. They broke open my heart and let the love in. Truly, dogs are special.

 I am grateful for chocolate chip cookies. I love the smell, the taste, baking them with the grandkids.  I seriously love chocolate chip cookies. Seriously. Whoever invented them knew what they were doing. You HAVE to try them frozen.

I am grateful for my church family. They lift me up when I am down and help heal me when I'm sick.

I am thankful that after trying so many spiritual paths that I decided and made the choice to, become a Christian. I am not the kind of person that goes knocking on your door nor am I trying to convert you. I simply believe that mankind was born to worship. Some choose religion, some money, some sports, others food. I chose a man with dust on his sandals and love in his heart. For everyone. My books are spiritual, they are a way for me to come to know myself.

I am grateful for Crohn's disease. The disease has taught me compassion far and beyond what I thought I was capable of feeling. It has given me insight into other people who expect more of me than I am capable of giving. It has given me a connection with the human race, this is a broken world full of broken people. It has taught me how to care for myself.

But lastly, out of all things human, I am grateful for my husband. He is my rock. He is my best friend. He knows everything there is to know about me and still loves me. He is the BEST grandfather on the planet, at least according to my grandsons. And here's a little hint as to why he is so special...

He changes the sheets on the bed and does the laundry. He vacuums and yes, on occasion, one of the dogs gets stuck to the nozzle, dang that shedding can get messy. He washes the windows and handles ALL the bills. He even picks up the dog poop. I mean, can you not help but fall in love with a man like that? And lastly, HE DOES THE DISHES. I love that man. I truly do. He has made my life with a chronic disease manageable. So, thank-you Dennis. You were the best decision I ever made in my life. Well, aside from the man with dusty shoes.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! May you find as many things to be thankful for as I have.