Count Your Blessings

It's the day before Thanksgiving, and I'm musing on all the things in my life I have to thank our dear Lord for. He is so good!

My wonderful husband, Bob. So many adjectives come to mind...strong, loyal, calm in the middle of my ongoing stormy personality, stoic in the face of adversity, kind, loving, determined, more will power than the average man. Does he sound perfect? For me, he is. We've been married for 39 years, and our love is as strong as ever. Thank you, Lord, for bringing him into my life!

My children. What can a mother say about her children?

My daughters, Susie and Cathy, are a joy in my life, and I couldn't ask for a better support system. Yes, we have the usual mother/daughter "drama," but when it comes down to loyalty...I can always count on them. That doesn't mean they don't tell me when I'm wrong, that's part of the loving relationship. I hope that I have been successful in showing them the deep love I have in my heart for them.

My stepson, Dennis. A good man! What parent wouldn't want to be able to say that about an adult son? Dennis came into my life when he was 6 years old, so he is my son. He and Bob get together every week to golf, and I'm so happy for that opportunity for them. He is good to his father, and I love him for that alone, but for so many other qualities, as well.

Grandchildren...what is that old saying? If I'd known what a joy grandchildren are, I'd have had them first? lol I have seven in all--6 boys, and 1 girl. Curtis is in Colorado, working and going to school. Kyle, Cody, Kevin and Kenny are at home with their mom. Five sons, Susie had before giving up on having that elusive daughter. Sons and grandsons are good! Cathy gave me a beautiful granddaughter, Caryn, and a grandson, David. Both are dyslexic (words do not appear the same to them as they do to the rest of us), but they have not let that stop them. Being the only girl, Caryn is a true princess. David, being the youngest (although only 6 months younger than Kenny) is destined to always be the baby--much to his dismay!

Great grandchildren...I have one, but his personality is big enough to keep all of us busy! Caryn, my one and only granddaughter, and her husband, Nick, gave us this little bundle of joy 2 years ago. I have the pleasure a babysitting Dimitry 2 days a week, and he is keeping my young! *smile* When he climbs up into my lap with his "blankie," and wants to cuddle...wow, nothing is better than that!

Thank the Lord, too, that we are all in relatively good health. We are surviving in the turbulent economic world we live in today. We live close to each other...except for Curtis, who as I mentioned, is in Colorado. He is always close in our hearts, though. Everyone has a job, which is unexpected in today's unemployment statistics. We are not wealthy, but we are not poor! We are blessed to live in the USA; to be able to attend church when and wherever we want; and for the freedom to worship Jesus Christ.

I have so much to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!