Let's take a moment and think about our blessings.

[Aggie_Ama]

I had a random blessing today. I was in line at the oh so crowded supermarket getting supplies for Christmas baking. The elderly gentleman in front of me carefully unloaded his little wheeled cart (his own) of gorceries. I noticed his Purple Heart hat and started to tear up thinking of my own Pawpaw who was a very proud Korean War Vet. I didn't see what the hat said but this man was so old it had to have been Korea as well, maybe even World War 2.

He carefully selected bills to pay for his items and then looked at me. He noticed my A&M sweatshirt and said "Texas A&M, are you an Aggie?" I said yes and he asked what I was studying. I told him I finished in 2003 and he said "I don't believe you, what were you a child genius?" I laughed and said I was older than I looked, he asked what I was doing with that degree and I told him what my job is. He then said Merry Christmas and wheeled his reloaded cart out. I always loved our elderly customers at Lowe's and this man didn't know it but he brightened my grey day. I hope he will have a Merry Christmas.

On December 23 that elderly veteran was my blessing, he seemed genuinely kind although I think he also may have been a little lonely today. I am happy to have spent a few minutes in line with him and I bet he has some worthy stories to share with those who have time to listen.

[Smilie]

-My Kids
-My Partner
-My Family
-My Health
-My Friends
-My House
-My Animals
-My Positive outlook
-My Ability to make it on my own
-My Life

[ClockworkOrange]

-My Kids
-My Partner
-My Family
-My Health
-My Friends
-My House
-My Animals
-My Positive outlook
-My Ability to make it on my own
-My Life

Hey, you forgot to add your lovely smile!

Clock

[Smilie]

Ha! I also forgot to add BEER!

[beccaB]

yes beer. Even though it makes me fluffy.

[Brandi]

It is easy to get lost in this rat race at this time of year. Or to get upset with the human race. I often forget what I am blessed with because I grew up in a family that always seemed to focus on the negative things in life and in people. Now that I am older I really see the beauty in this world. I take stock a lot now. I used to mummble under my breath when my dh would say things like " We need to watch our spending". And because of all those years he has said that and stilll does we are in a good spot. A safe spot. And that coming from a family who couldn't pay the bills because they spent money like water ,actually my parents drank thier money and sniffed it up their noses. I have never been so secure in my whole life as I am right now. And that is a really big blessing for me!

[Brandi]

Ha! I also forgot to add BEER!

Oh Oh I bought my husband 3 special beers for his stocking this christams! Actually I had to put them in a box and wrap them! safer then a stocking!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I have my health, a safe roof over my head, food to eat, and someone who loves me. These are the important things.

I watched a movie last night that I hadn't seen in many years- Marty, with Ernest Borgnine. What a heartbreaking, uplifting and inspiring movie. It's obvious why he won the academy award that year- the acting was superb by Ernest and Betsy Blair. I couldn't take my eyes off their faces all through the film- their expressions told a million stories of human pain and radiance.

[Crankin]

I remember that movie, Lisa.
I have a really nice life. Health is pretty good, best DH in the world, and only 16 weeks left until I graduate! Both kids married to people that are good for them.
And I get to live in glorious 4 seasons, something I swore I would never take for granted, when I moved back here 20 years ago. Because of this, I have come to love the outdoors, which lead me to cycling, nordic skiing, and snow shoeing.

[sgtiger]

I'm thankful you pulled up this thread, Lisa. It's a good reminder to practice gratitude in our daily lives.

I'm thankful...
Dh will have a job to go to. It starts next month.
Ds has not had an asthma attack in a year and a half and that he has been off asthma meds for the past five months.
I have the opportunity to go back to school. I'm appreciating it way more the second time around.
I have found wonderful and supportive communities for the different aspects of my life.
For Friends: who have laughed with me and cried with me, who have the courage to tell me when I'm being stupid and love me despite of acting that way, who help me see humor in situations that I have a hard time finding it in myself.
The generator hub Dh will be building up for my Xtracycle.