The holiday season has begun and we have just celebrated Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is always a time to reflect on what we are thankful for. When you think about it, it’s pretty cool that out of all the holidays we have that sometimes to me seems only like a money scheme, that we have one that seems positive and promotes a spirit of reflection. I think we go through life at a very fast pace all the time. Because of that, it is rare ,if ever, these days we stop and think about what we are truly grateful for. So, as I have done in years past, here’s my 2011 list of what I’m grateful for this holiday season:
1. Being alive -With the recent passing of my brother in law, being alive tops my list this year and life has taken on a whole new meaning. Coming face to face with death causes you to truly appreciate life. When you see how quickly life can leave a person, you try not to take for granted life itself.
2. Being in good health -I am truly thankful for having a reasonable amount of good health. Being able to wake up each morning and move about on my own is a blessing and not to be taken lightly. I can put on my own clothes and do things for myself and not have someone take care of me.
3. My immediate family-I’ve been blessed with a wonderful husband and two wonderful kids. My kids truly bring me smiles when no one else can and they bring a certain level of order and balance to my life. They enhance my reasons to press on when I feel like I can’t take another step.
4. True friends-I saw firsthand who my true friends were during our recent ordeal. I experienced some hurt and disappointment at certain friends who “disappeared” during our difficult time and I thought out of all the people they would have been there. But on the contrary, to my surprise and gladness we had some true friends who unselfishly gave of their time and their prayers along the way. I’m truly grateful for every text, visit and call just to say how are you and let me know if you need anything. Some of the special memories are our friends that drove 5 hours to be with us on the night of Derrick’s death and a past co-worker that came to his funeral as an act of support for me. Those two memories took literally my breath away as I thought about their sacrifice and how much they demonstrated their care instead of just saying it.
5. Great Career-Wow! When I think about the career I’ve had, I’m in amazement at the progress and success I have had. I’m humbled by it all and can’t take any credit. I remember changing my major midstream and at the time I had no clue what I was doing and where I was going. But every step has been guided by God with every job and every experience. In a time of high unemployment, I’m grateful for a good job that I enjoy.
Not a long list, but an important list. Simply grateful.
We had a great Christmas a week or so ago. We opened gifts on Christmas Eve morning so the kids could have the time to play with their gifts before we got on the road the next day for traveling. There were surprises all around and here are some pics that captured some of the moments.
But, that is not what this post is about. It is about a brief article featured in the Birmingham News today. The article talked about Waffle House tried a new concept this year to celebrate Valentine’s Day. One of the stores in Birmingham had candlelight dinner for its guests on Saturday. They had white tablecloths, candlelight, and romantic music playing over the PA system. When I saw that, I was between laughter and confusion. I like Waffle House and I will give them credit for having some of the best waffles and eggs. But, when I think of romance and love, the thought of syrup, waffles, and a jukebox do not enter my mind.
In My Own Words 