When it comes to being thankful, do we EVER say it out loud? To anyone else? Most of all, to ourselves? Well, life gives and takes and I know,  now, that I am thankful for each step and misstep taken in  my life.

Let me see if I can make any sense of this. I am long-in-the-tooth, age-wise and I have certainly made my mistakes but,  at the same time, each one brought something I can be truly thankful for.

My parents did not have a life that was rich in financial things but they were far richer than most with the love they shared with each other. They struggled, like most people, but never faltered. For this, I am thankful as it taught me how to finally love with an everlasting love.

I am thankful for what we had growing up and for what they taught me. From that beginning I have learned how to keep house, laundry including ironing. (This really came to be when we operated a Bed and Breakfast for so many years).  How to entertain and make everyone who enters our home feel like royalty from our children to the neighbors down the street. I am truly thankful for this quality.

I am thankful for my daughter. Words really fail me here as she turned out far smarter, and with qualities that put her in a category all by herself. Hard worker, loyal, honorable, honest, true friend extraordinaire.

I am thankful for my “step children”. I know they probably dislike that category but I sure am thankful for them being in my life. Four wonderful, bright, loving children (all adults approaching that magic mid-life birthday) and they have alllowed me to be their friend.

More than that, I am thankful for my grandchildren. Three beautiful and super girls and one truly handsome grandson. Now…as I mentioned before about my age…they are now adults who have a life of wonder and exploration ahead of them.

I am thankful beyond words for the gift given me in my husband. He is honest, hardworking, always making sure we have a beautiful roof over our heads and food on the table. He has put  up with me for going on 27 years. He is the absolute love of my life.

I am so thankful for my faith. I was the youngest, back then, to be allowed into the Senior Choir at Church. I was 8 years old. From then to now, I have been blessed beyond words for health issues with all my family (we have had our fair share, for sure) and we have always come out like shiny new pennies. My faith, like now,  never has been taken for granted.

I am thankful for all my mistakes…some small in the scheme of things and others……monumental and, again, I learned from them. Sometimes it look longer than it should have. I think God must say this one is a slow learner.

I am thankful for the people I have met, became friends with, became un-friends with and for those not yet met.

I am very thankful to be able to give to those who are without. I am a very strong believer and doer in ‘paying it forward’.  As my husband said just recently….”we have never gone without or been short because we gave to those less fortunate.”

This, my friends, if my special recipe for Thankful Stew. May yours be blessed as well when you take a good hard look within. Happy Thanksgiving Day. May we all be thankful everyday for all blessings given.