Today being the day of giving thanks, I would like to take more time than usual to think about all that I am thankful for.
Starting at the beginning I guess, I am thankful for:
My parents, who raised me with love and taught me to not judge people by the color of their skin.
Debbie Smith and Camielle Call who introduced me to the LDS Church and Kap Jones, Rick Smith, Kent Noye, and all of the youth and teachers in the Bloomfield Hills Stake who kept me on the right path.
Bobby Chiapelli who taught me to say the 3 greatest words ever, "I love you", and also spent ten years putting up with my insanity. On top of all that we created 4 of the greatest kids ever.
Larry Little, who taught me that I have no right to judge ANYONE and that fact sent my life in a direction I'd never planned. He also introduced me to his sister Debbie, who one lonely night convinced me to call an old boyfriend that I couldn't forget about....and he just happened to be home, and single! That old boyfriend....
Dana Haswell, the greatest love of my life (other than my children). Of course I'm thankful for the two great kids we made, the gift that keeps on giving. Other than that I would need a book to list all that I am thankful for with Dana. He gave so much, not material things, but with him my life had a richness beyond anything I could ever have dreamed.
Barbara and James Williams, two of the nicest people and in the truest sense our families
BFF's. Our kids grew up together and in a way, I guess we all grew up together as well. I'll always love them both.
Connie Young for standing up for me when it seemed a whole town had turned on me. She gave me a home to live in until I could find one and helped me to hold onto my dignity until I was ready to leave on my own terms. When she passed away it left a huge hole in my heart.
Jimmy Urquhart was my knight in tarnished armor. Had anyone ever told me that I would EVER love a bald headed, toothless, OLD, ex-con, carnie guy I would have called them a liar! He, on the other hand, never dreamed of being with a crazy, goodie two shoes, Mormon broad either. We were the talk of our show, but somehow, we clicked. Starting as friends and a year later getting married. This man used to fill up a bathtub for me after a long work day when my body was screaming in pain, he would carry me and put me in the hot water and come back later and help me back out and put me to bed. Yes, when Jimmy was good, he was VERY good, then when he was bad...... ahhh, I like remembering the good times, and life is very lonely without him.
All of my kids, Annie, Audrey, Jeffery, Joel, Kymberly I, and Dana III, each different and special in their own way. I am so blessed to have them in my life and love them all more than they could ever know.
All TWENTY of my grandkids! Many I have never met, but I see them grow threw pictures, and sometimes can talk to them on the phone. I'll take the Grani Jani connection any way I can get it.
Sisty, and best friend. When I'm feeling down all I have to do is call her and she can always make me laugh. She loves me as I am, warts and all. To me, she is as close to perfect as a human can come and she looks so much like our Mom. Bob and all of my nieces and nephews are also very special to me.
Mom Rosemarie, who brought love and light back into Dad's life. I couldn't have asked for a nicer lady to be my second mother.
My big brother David who I know loves me even though I've disappointed him. I always have the memory that he named my teddy bear "Gladly, the Cross Eyed Bear". I still laugh about that!
I have listed a lot of people that I'm thankful for. I know I've missed a ton. I'm also thankful for the life I have, the roof over my head, the running water, electricity, heat on this chilly day. Many people don't have these things, and I've gone without them more than once in my life so they mean a lot. I have been shown a lot of kindness from friends, family and strangers throughout my life for which I am always thankful. I hope that I have "paid it foreword" at least some of the time.
.....and yes, most definitely, I am thankful for all of my UNANSWERED prayers. Thank you God for knowing what is best.
