Thanksgiving

My life is full of blessings, and not of the material kind. Mine are of the kind that truly matter: love, friendship, family (two- and four-legged members), a roof over my head, the sun in the sky … These are worth more to me than a Lexus in the driveway ever could.

My darling husband, the love of my life, is the angel on my shoulder. Who knows how my life would have unfolded if not for him? He makes me want to be a better person, and I am eternally grateful to him for that, in this life and the next. Don’t know what I’d do without him.

My kids are my greatest accomplishment in this life. My pride in them is unwavering, as is my amusement at their foibles so lovingly endured by their wonderful spouses. Sometimes, when the light catches their profiles just so, or I see their heads locked in conversation, I catch a glimpse of their two- and three-year-old selves once more.

My three adorable granddaughters do their best to keep me active, even on my worst days. Their smiles and hugs chase the aches away as soon as they run through the door. May I live long enough to dance at each of their weddings. They are treasures.

I cannot neglect to mention my extended Irish family of sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, with love in their hearts and arms wide open to welcome this Scottish girl. I had the privilege of meeting the New York/Long Island branch of the family this summer. The afterglow lasted for weeks.

And friends. My dear, dear friends there to share a laugh and a hug. What would I do without them? My days would be empty indeed if they were no longer at the other end of an e-mail or a phone call. My four-legged friends never fail to give me a cuddle when I need it most. They brighten my life just by being in it.

I’m glad, so glad, for my life and hope to do my best to show my loved ones just how important they are to me, not just tomorrow but every day.