Giving Thanks

Dear Children,
It is late on Thanksgiving, and I just realized that I didn't tell you today how thankful I am for all of you. Thankful even for the masses of dirty laundry, endless meals, and the constant clean up. Thankful even when I am so mad at you I can't see straight. Thankful even when you don't appreciate me and hurt my feelings. Thankful even when you make mistakes and disappoint me. Thankful for your chatter when all I want is some peace and quiet. Because even though I may want some peace and quite, I need you. Even with the experience of loss, it is easy to take for granted all of the things in our lives. It can all change in an instant, and every mundane thing that came before will seem like an amazing miracle of a gift. So, I am truly thankful for you all. Each and every day.
Love, Mom

To anyone who reads this blog, please keep my friend Amy, her husband Scott, and their children Trevor, Meredith, and Nolan in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season. Five and a half months ago their baby Jeremy died after a brave fight. This Thanksgiving will be followed three days later by Jeremy's first birthday. I don't presume to know what they are going through, and I wish there was more I could do to ease their pain. On Monday, Teddy and I will be donating blood at a blood drive in Jeremy's honor. Holding my arm out and donating a unit of blood is all I can do to make any difference, but it will make a difference to someone in need. And Jeremy made a difference in my life, reminding me every day to never, ever, ever take anything for granted.