Thankful

I have to admit that I have cheated and listened to a few Christmas albums early. My current favorite includes a song that is very appropriate for today. The beautiful lyrics remind me everyday, but especially on this Thanksgiving holiday, that there really is so much more to treasure than our material possessions and that sometimes we need to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. This song epitomizes the true meaning of the holiday season for me. The voice? None other than the wonderful Josh Groban. The song? Thankful.

I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband. He is my backbone, the one I lean on, and my best friend. With my extended hospitalization and Trav working long hard hours, I have really come to appreciate our time together. I am also thankful for my health. My 34 days in the hospital could have ended very differently, and I realize now that we often take our health for granted. I am very thankful for my incredible family, both my side and my inlaws. They have all been there at every turn to support Trav and I through our tough times this year. Despite the fact that I gripe about having to go back to work after maternity leave, I am thankful that I have a job that I love. I am one of the lucky few who really loves what I do for a living. I also have job security and financial security that is hard to come by in this hard economic time. I am very thankful for my fantastic group of friends. I treasure each and every one of them, and I know that I could count on them for anything. Most of all, I am so thankful for Anna. I have a beautiful, healthy daughter who has taught me what unconditional love is. Even though her life started a little bit early, it could have been so much worse, and for that I am truly grateful. Her smile reminds me everyday what is truly important in this life.

I hope everyone takes the time to reflect today on what they are thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!