Thankful Thursday – Reflecting

I remember when I was a lot younger, parents, teachers, etc. would remark about how they remembered exactly where they were when the news broke about some life changing event… I remember thinking then, “how can you remember exactly where you were?”  Until of course, 13 years ago… I remember driving to work when the news broke.  I had just dropped the giant off at day care and was pulling into the parking lot when the radio announced the events as they knew them in that moment.  I remember wanting desperately to turn around, get my baby (he actually was still my baby at almost two) hold him close and hide from the scariness that unfolded…

I went back and forth on whether to post anything today or to sit in silence as our country reflects on the events of 13 years ago and then realized that part of that remembrance should be more than mourning the lives lost and the horror of those events… it should also be a time to reflect on everything we have to be grateful for.

I’m thankful for all who dedicate their lives to serving this great nation – from our brothers and sisters in arms who enlist in our various military branches to those who serve us locally as first responders.  All of your efforts help me to sleep better each night and I’m grateful for all that you do.

I’m thankful that even through horrific events like that fateful day 13 years ago and other tragedies in the past and present, we can come together as a nation and grow stronger in the face of adversity.

I’m thankful we live in a country that allows us the freedom to think and believe what we need to in order to get through this crazy life… you want to believe in conspiracies, go for it.  Want to believe that Oswald acted alone?  By all means. Contrary to what you may feel on the book of faces, we don’t always have to agree and I’m thankful for that.

I’m thankful that I get to tell my babies that I love them, am proud of them, and remind them how amazing they are… and my heart goes out to those who no longer have that luxury.

I’m thankful that I can be completely, unabashedly honest with my friends and they know that I intend no harm but that I won’t placate or sugar coat it when I disagree… Never using honesty as a veil for cruelty, but not bullshitting you either.

I’m thankful for friends who take me as I am – faults and all – and know in their hearts that I accept them the same.

I’m thankful for the short list of people I can count on no matter what and hope that they feel the same about me.

I’m thankful that there are moments in each day when I get wrapped up in the minutia and chaos but then remember to focus on two things instead – what is important and what I can control.  To get stressed about anything else seems silly.

I’m thankful for those friends who are busier than I and because of chaotic schedules we don’t talk as much as I’d like… and then, out of the blue, we can reconnect for a moment and remember that we are never far from each other’s hearts.

I’m thankful for you and you and you and yes… even you there lurking in the corner, silently reading without comment while pretending you aren’t here.  I’m thankful for you too.