Being thankful.

Being thankful is definitely a better way to be.

If you aren’t grateful, you may just end up where I was for two weeks after the election. It’s not a good place to be, and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone.

I had a headache every day for two weeks, with a full-on overblown migraine after the election. I was sick for three days.

I was sick because I let the stress of this election get the best of me. I engaged in a few offline discussions with those who have a different opinion than I do. I let people drag me into the mud, and I’m ashamed of that. I should go high when others go low, to quote Michelle Obama. I should stay away from conversations or people who cause me stress. That’s going to be one of my New Year’s resolutions.

No matter what happens with an election, the tide will always turn. Change will always come. If you preach gloom and doom or if you are shouting that a new era is born, just wait it out. You may be singing a different tune. There will eventually be a new president, a new party in power. No one always gets what they want, and that is a good thing. And, nothing lasts forever. I know that, but sometimes I forget.

Enough about that. I want to be loved and give love, be happy and make others happy, live and let live. I've got to focus on the love and light in my life, as we all do ... it makes for a better life.

So, for this week of Thanksgiving, I am going to turn to the things I am thankful for this year, and here they are, in no particular order:

• Sam — This blog started about him, and it still is, but it's more. He's my firstborn, my only son, and there aren't enough words to express how I feel related to his health, his attitude, his future ... today. So much love and gratefulness for this precious son of mine. I will be blogging more about him later, as the one-year anniversary date of his assault draws near. Today, he is back in school, doing well, getting good reports from his doctors, and I'm oh so grateful. I'm anxious to see him at Christmas.
• Molly — She's home for Thanksgiving, and I'm so happy that she is here. She is focused and resolute about her future, and her friends have been nothing but supportive of her hard work these past few months. We've spent some quality time together, but I still think quantity is just important. Just having her here, at home, means everything ... even if she is downstairs sleeping. Moms always feel better when their babies are home. I am so blessed to be her mom, and she brings me much joy.
• Dan — Most stand up guy I know. Nothing but love and appreciation for him. Grateful every day.
• Bridget — An angel on earth. I can never thank her enough for what she has done for me, for Sam, for our family. Plus, we love her and she's super fun to be around. Everyone needs a "Bridget" in their life, and I'm grateful for this girl, who is precious and beautiful inside and out.
• Buckley — I am the annoying puppy mom that everyone loves to hate. But, I love him, and I'm glad he's found his forever home with us.

  

  Buckley helps decorate. 

• A home, a car, food, friends, an education, a job — I have all of these things, and some people do not. I know I am blessed, and I am grateful.
• GoFundMe — I am thankful for crowdsourcing and for people who give so freely of their own money to support the causes that are near or dear to them. This business is everything, and I am grateful it has eased my worries this past year. I am grateful for those who gave, who don't even know me or Sam. GoFundMe donors deserve the best life has to give, and I pray for them every day.
• Family — Recently, my mom and stepfather moved close to me and my brothers. It's been a long time since we were all together in the same area, and it makes life better. I am also thinking of my dear aunt in California who is battling cancer, my dear uncle who takes care of her, my sweet cousins who are worried for her, my dad and stepmother who love her dearly ... sending love to her each day.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who have taken the time to read this blog. Thank you for thinking of me and my children. Much love to all.