Thanksgiving is only a few days away and I can hardly believe how fast this year has flown by. I have so many things to be thankful for this year. It has been a chaotic year and I am thinking that recently I have been so wrapped up in my own trials that I have forgotten. I am taking a moment to humble myself and jot down just a few of these things:
1. My Wonderful Husband
To Justin:
We have had a roller coaster of a year. This year I realized that the grass will never be greener without you in my life. We spent a very long six months apart this year. I learned in that six months that despite all odds you are my soul mate. I am not the same person without you. I don't tell you enough that waking up to you is my dream come true. I know that I am not the easiest to live with (especially when I am pregnant) and I do not show you the much deserved appreciation that I have for you. You have held me together in times that I have completely fallen apart and I know now that I could not raise our family without you. You have provided us with a beautiful home, cars, toilets :), and everything else that we need. You always have a way of getting me what I most desire without living beyond our needs. I want to thank you for providing our family with everything we need, but more than that, for being the father to Kelson that you didn't have to be. I do not give you credit enough for this. He loves you so much and there is no possible way to repay you for what you have given him. Thank you for supporting us, and enabling me to continue my education. Someday our family will not have to worry about finances at all because of the sacrifices you have made for us now. Thank you for being my best friend, even when I am not much of a friend in return. I love you with all my heart and am thankful everyday that you are my husband.
2. My son
To Kelson:
You are my rock. When there was no one else, you held me together. You are so smart and your growth mesmerizes me everyday. You remind me everyday to be humble. I find it impossible to put into words my love for you. I seek to be a better person because of you. In your short two years of life you have already had some serious trials with your eyes and have achieved the seemingly impossible by your recovery. You will never understand how you inspire me every single day. I am thankful and grateful that I get to be your Mom. I love you Kelson.
3. My baby
To My Baby:
You will be here soon (not soon enough), and we can not wait! I am so thrilled to finally have a little girl! You will be coming into a family that is not always perfect, but will always be strong. You will have an amazing older brother and an amazing daddy. We all love you so much and can not wait to see you.
4. My Mommy
To my Mommy:
What a road we have had. I know, only now, how much you sacrificed and gave of yourself for me over the last 20 years. You have had a hard year but somehow found it in yourself to be strong for me when you could barely be strong for yourself. You amaze me all the time. Despite whether you see it or not, you have set an amazing example of strength and relentlessness for me. The odds have been against you and because of your stubborn inability to give up you are finally soaring. I love you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for me, my siblings, my child, and my family.
5. My Daddy
To my Daddy:
You have always been there for me. You are the one thing that has been consistently on my side my entire life. You give selflessly and expect nothing in return. I don't tell you enough how proud I am that you are my dad. On so many occasions you have made me be strong when I felt at my weakest. You could never understand how you have made me the woman that I am now. I know that so many times I have let you down. In those times, when I thought you would be so ashamed and never never understand, you have always been the first to forgive. You are my hero, my protector, and my friend. I am not sure how I would've survived this year without you. You give so much of yourself and I only hope now that you can finally give to yourself. I love you daddy.
6. My In-Laws
To Kim and Cindy:
All I can say to you is thank you. Thank you for raising such a strong son. Thank you for helping our family in every way. Thank you for being such amazing grandparents to my son. You are both so strong. Thank you. I love you both!
7. Dixie State College
I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue my education.
8. Hurricane Rehabilitation
I am thankful to have a job that I can go to and give back to people who have given so much to the world. I am thankful for the residents there and the staff that I get to work with. I love you all.
I could go on and on. I am thankful for so many things, but Kelson's nap is over so I had better go. I hope that everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving!
