Given that, you could be forgiven for assuming I'm heading into this Thanksgiving day with a rather large and cynical chip on my shoulder. Well, you know what? I'm not. Oh, I absolutely hate that all of these things have happened to people I love dearly, but I also think these terrible events have helped me realize all (or at least some) of the things that I should be thankful for today and every other day of my life moving forward.
For instance, I'm thankful that I was able to spend as much time as I did with both of my grandmothers while they were alive. Also, I'm thankful for all of the things they taught me about myself and about life during those precious moments we had together.
I'm similarly thankful that my dad and friend survived their respective strokes. My dad, especially, has been changed--he's noticeably weaker than he was before all of this happened, for instance--by the strokes he suffered earlier this year, but in every way that is at all important he is the same, amazing, hilarious, loving man he's always been. I'm pretty sure the same will be true of my friend when all is said and done--and if that isn't something to be thankful for, well, I don't know what is.
A few other things I'm thankful for: My health, my husband, our family and friends, our jobs, our house, our cat (even when she's being a pain in the ass) and everything--and everyone--else that helps make my life fun, interesting, secure and all that jazz.
That includes all of you, by the way. I guess it may sound a bit silly to mention this blog and all that's related to it after talking about all of the "heavy" stuff above, but it--and all of you, too--plays an important role when it comes to making my life a lot more enjoyable than it would be otherwise.
Anyway, I'll get off my Thanksgiving soapbox now. Just know that I hope all of you have a wonderful day today (whether you're celebrating like us North Americans or you're just enjoying a regular Thursday elsewhere) and that you have at least a few things for which you're thankful.
Note: The festive GIF above was found on, and made by the two gals responsible for, the DreamingSoda blog.
Hello Bryan.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear all these things about your family-tragedies and your friend. I really hope your dad and your friend get well soon. I had such a year in 2011. So many people I knew died or had heart-attacks or strokes. That is just awful. I don't know how old your dad is but mines already 70 even though I'm only 21. I really hope he lives long enough to see me marry and too see my children. But you never know... Hugging you in my thoughts Bryan and have a really happy Thanksgiving.
Hey, Bryan. I had no idea you went through so much this year. My sincerest apologies. Blogging while time consuming, is a great deal of fun for me as well and makes my life a lot more fun. Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melody. I really appreciate it. I'm sorry to hear you had a similar year last year :( My dad's 74, by the way. He's improved a lot in the last 6 months, so I'm hopeful he'll improve even more in the coming months and years. That said, it's more than possible he'll never be 100% again--which is something I accepted long ago. Like I said here, I'm just glad he's alive at this point and that he's able to do pretty much everything he did before he had his strokes. Anyway, here's hoping 2013 is a really positive year for all of us and our loved ones.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Reggie. Honestly, blogging has helped me get through all of this more than just about anything. It sounds like it is a positive experience for you, too? If so, great! Like I just said to Melody, here's hoping 2013 is a great year for all of us.
ReplyDeleteI loved as much as you’ll receive performed right here. I have read so many articles or reviews on the topic of the blogger lovers however this post is genuinely a fastidious article. I checked on the web for more info about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this site.
ReplyDeleteBryan its good to share your feelings but just keep in mind that every thing has its reason why you have to go thru all the things you have now. Just be thankful for everything.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear the trials and tribulations you had to go through this year.
ReplyDeleteIt makes my problems seem trivial in comparison.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thanks, Dexter! I didn't mean to make anyone's problems seem trivial, by the way -- just wanted to point out that everyone should (hopefully) be able to be thankful for something this year, no matter how rough it's been. Anyway, I hope you had a wonderful day, too, and are able to relax with your Wii U today :)
ReplyDeleteN'awww. Warm fuzzies all around!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss, but I think you have the right attitude. And I certainly hope that 2013 looks much, much brighter for you!
Hmmm, why do I have a feeling this is a SPAM comment? If not, my apologies!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Justin. I appreciate the warm fuzzies and also the expressed hopes that 2013 is both better and brighter. Hope the same for you and your boy, too!
ReplyDelete