Ripple Effects

Tonight, I think I’ll wander off my typical path.  Oh, don’t get me wrong …I’m still gonna put something out there that is hopefully worthy of “Passing It On”…but I’m taking a different direction than what I typically post.  You see…tonight, I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.  Sitting here with one dog snoring next to me on the couch, the other lounging at my feet and hubby happily clicking away on his computer as well…Life is indeed good.  Very good.

I’m feeling especially thankful this year.  Not that I’m not thankful the rest of the time, but for some reason I’m feeling it a bit more this year.

• I’m thankful that I get to see my kids so much more than I have in years past.  After relocating in 2002 our visits became much more sporadic and infrequent.  I missed so much with them — well, let’s face it…I just plain missed them.  Last year we made the move back to the Kansas City area…and are so much closer to both the kids now.  I love knowing they can (and do) stop by just to say “hi” and chill for a bit.  Drop in for dinner, meet us for dinner a movie or whatever, come over to watch a favorite show together…sigh….good stuff! 
• I’m thankful that I get to see my husband so much more than last year.  Sounds a bit odd, huh?  But when we made the move last year, it wasn’t a complete move…lots of commuting back and forth, long days between weekends…especially during the winter months.  Boy, how I prayed for NO SNOW or ICE!  But that’s all behind us now. 
• I’m thankful that I get to be a part of both my granddaughters’ lives.  Spending time with those two little rays of sunshine means more than you could imagine.  (Although, if you’re a grandparent, you probably can!)  I love getting to see Lillian as often as I do — taking her to school, running errands, spending time in the sunroom doing “projects”, or just chilling in the TV Room watching a movie.  I’m enjoying it so much — and hope that some of the things we do will become little snippets of memories for her as she gets older.  Then there’s Kaylee.  Walking into a room and seeing her smile in recognition, or hold her arms up just asking to be picked up…yep – I’m a sucker for it!  I love thinking about the two girls getting together here…hanging with Gramma…oh the things we be able to do as a trio! 
• I’m thankful that my dogs are both healthy and enjoying life.  (Ok – anyone who knows me knew that was gonna make the list!)  A lot of time last year was spent worrying about Chy and whether or not she’d regain the use of one of her legs.  Well, I’m happy to report that she is walking and running about like she didn’t have a care in the world.  Why should she?  I’m the one doing all the worrying!  Every time I see her take off across the yard after her sister I cringe inside.  But she’s happy – having a good time tormenting Cherry just like always – she’s not speedy by any means, but she’s happy.
• I’m thankful I have the opportunity to do something I love – which is volunteer for the Red Cross.  I get to work with some amazing people, doing some amazing things for our community.  And – I have the support and encouragement of my family, which makes it possible for me to give my time and even more enjoyable. 

There’s so much more I could ramble on about — but that would make this a very long and drawn out post — not my intention at all.  But I did want to share one more thing with folks…something I saw in today’s paper, that serves as an excellent tribute to the ideal behind Thanksgiving.

(From Dear Abby’s column, dated 11/24/2010)

Oh, Heavenly Father,

We thank Thee for food and remember the hungry.

We thank Thee for health and remember the sick.

We thank Thee for freedom and remember the enslaved.

May these remembrances stir us to service,

That Thy gifts to us may be used for others. Amen.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

(Pass it On!)