Thankful

Dear Mom,

Someone blogged about remembering Thanksgiving holidays when they were young. I've racked my brain and I can't think of a single Thanksgiving spent when you were alive. My siblings can remember, but I'm blank.

I can't thank you in person, but I can in spirit for all you have done as you--wife, mother, sister, in-law, friend--all your roles. No doubt there are countless things I'm unaware of--I can only imagine. At sixteen and losing your mother, with eight siblings under you--I'm sure you had your work cut out for you.

Every day I count my blessings--not just on Thanksgiving. I'm blessed with a wonderful family, relatives, and friends. The love I have in my life is abundant and I'm truly blessed. I remember someone said to me, "You're rich!" and this was during a period in my life when I was living below poverty level. I turned around and smiled, "I know."

So mom, thanks for all you've done and all you've taught me.

With all my love.