Pies and…

I am grateful for:

Puppies.

The farm to table trend in restaurants.

The way my husband loves and supports me.

Baths.

My double oven.

The ability to talk to loved ones who are far away, allowing us to stay close and involved in each other’s lives even if we don’t get to see each other as often as I’d like.

Friends near and far (see above).

My kids.   

How resilient my mom and my mother-in-law are.

Surviving cancer.  I have had a lot of reminders lately of how lucky I am to still be here.  

Deep fried turkey.

Not having to make the above, but having friends who do it perfectly and invite us over.

Holiday and family traditions. like watching Love Actuallywith mugs of my special hot cocoa or decorating cookies.

Getting Eliza home in time to enjoy the above.

Having food on the table, a roof over our heads, and the ability to stay warm in the cold. (I have seen a lot of homeless lately on my travels.)

The way I get to crisscross the country and share my story, helping others while also having an outlet for my inner standup comic wannabe.

Knowing that everyone I love knows how much they are loved.

Warm pies out of the oven.

This is not a complete list. And it is not one I only reflect on at Thanksgiving.  I truly feel grateful every day for all the good in my life.   This is not to say that my life is perfect or that there isn’t stress or strife.  As I have shared, there is loss, hardship and challenge.  But even in the lows, there are silver linings to be found.  I am glad my dad knew how much I loved and admired him and that he did not suffer.  I am grateful that Eliza and I are so close and that she was able to ask for help and is now getting the help she needs.  And I am so humbled to still be here, to enjoy the moments big (Noah’s upcoming wedding!) and small (playing Boggle with Hannah) and all the in between.  

And pies. 

Happy Thanksgiving!