Being Thankful Everday (Days 1-7)

Here is one thing for each day before Thanksgiving that I am thankful for:

1. I am thankful for my wonderful best friend and someday husband. He gives me everything I could want in a partner and so much more. He comforts me physically, emotionally, and mentally. He has seen me through the worst of times and still loves me regardless. We are best when we are together, and he pushes me to be better every day. He makes me happy, even after fights and frustration. It's rare in this world to find someone who loves everything about someone including their bad side. I love him more each day.

2.I am thankful for my sister. She is really my pseudo-mother, and not a week goes by without us talking for hours on the phone. When I'm sad, happy, angry, or hurt, she is there to listen, share, and relate. She supports me in all I do, and never gives up on me. I love talking with her whether it is funny moments to share, talking about food (which happens a lot!), or venting about the craziness each of us has in our lives. Honestly, she has been there for me more than anyone this past year. Our time together is never long enough, and I wish I lived closer to her. However, no matter what the distance, I still have the most wonderful sister in world. I love you and cannot wait to see you this Christmas. 

3.  I am thankful for my parents. They brought me into this world and raised me to be an independent woman. Though we struggle and fight a lot, I will always love them. They taught me an appreciation for food, and gave me a sense of humor quite different from others. They let me fall down and learn from my mistakes just as we all continue to in life. All of us are split up now, but that does not discredit the wonderful memories we made as a family. Some things change for the better for worse, but thank you for giving me life. Mom, I could not be in school without you, and you would do anything for me. That means more than I can describe, and I'm sorry it's been so rough for us lately. However, you and I are making it, and we will continue to make our lives wonderful. Dad, I miss you, but we each have to do what is best for us individually. I will cherish the wonderful memories, and I hope someday we will have more. 

4. I am thankful for my soon-to-be in-laws. After living with you for the summer, I am amazed we survived (just kidding!). You really have be there through a lot of the recent tough times, and Lyla, I know you understand first-hand all I go through. I am very proud to call you my second mom. You are living proof that no matter what life throws you, it is possible to have a wonderful family and life.  We have a lot to be happy for! David, I know you and I do not always see eye-to-eye, but thank you for caring so much about your son and I. Thank you both for bringing him into the world, because without that, I would not have him in my life. David, I hope to grow closer to you more and more as time goes on, and you do everything with love.  Thank you for taking me in, and continuing to be supportive. I love you both very much. 

5. I am thankful my education. Every day at school I continue to learn. I love learning even when I do not want to do the work (we all have those moments). My continuing education teaches me about the world, its communities, and its individuals. It is amazing to use my individual talents to prepare for a career. It isn't always easy, but I would not change a minute of it. Through my two schools, I have met amazing teachers, learned wonderful things, and met remarkable friends.  

6. I am thankful for having the means to get by month to month. If it may not seem important to all, but there have been days and nights worrying about bills. Whether I like it or not, I need money to survive, and I am so lucky to have all I do. I have more than a lot of people in this world. I have clothes, food, and a place to sleep at night. Sometimes, it gets too easy to worry about the things we do not have, but I have all I need. It isn't always easy, and I worry about getting by semester to semester, but somehow it always comes together. That is something to be very thankful for! 

7. Now, it time for something less serious. Therefore, I am thankful for coffee. If you could not tell by my background, I love coffee! I know this sounds silly in comparison to all the heavy things mentioned before, but coffee has a lot of wonderful memories associated with it. Many times I woke up to coffee on the weekends with my parents, would head to Starbucks to procrastinate homework with my best friend, or drink it late for those tough nights. It may just be a delicious, caffeinated beverage, but sometimes, it is just what I need.