Thankful Thursday

Well, since today is my 55th birthday, I have so much for which to be thankful.

I will start by being thankful to have reached this milestone, when so many of my friends, family and co-workers did not have the opportunity to celebrate this age. It is especially meaningful since two of my sisters died of cancer, when they were just 39 years old. As both my sisters left children behind, I am grateful that my own children have not suffered the losses that their cousins have experienced by losing their mother.

Of course I am dearly thankful for my family and friends, including my online friends, who made this day special, by a card, email, blog comment or a comment on my MySpace page! And...I am especially thankful for my daughter's boyfriend, who presented me with the most touching card that read...Because You're Like a Mother to Me...I will always be grateful to you for taking me into your heart...you share so much of your time, your wisdom and yourself, and I hope you know how very special you'll always be to me...how very much you are loved! Happy Birthday! That meant so much to me today! Here's a picture of us tonight at dinner! Isn't he sweet with his goofy, tight-lipped smile?!



I am grateful for my excellent health and I do not take it for granted, knowing the significant health issues of many others that I love, including my 35 year old daughter's continuing heart problems.

Where would I be right now if it weren't for Al Anon? There was a point a few months ago where I wasn't interested in living to see this birthday. Now, I am so very grateful for this program as it restored my fragile sanity, when it was at its lowest point ever. Through Al Anon, I've gained a better understanding of the disease of alcoholism/addiction and its effects on the entire family. I've also learned so much about myself and the how I was affected, being the biological child of an alcoholic and raised by an alcoholic step-father. Most importantly, because of this program, I am learning to take care of myself spiritually, instead of desperately trying to control every aspect of my uncontrollable little piece of the world.

And...I am thankful that this day is done!

Goodnight all!