This year, I've got the precooked turkey with the premade stuffing in the oven heating up. Our rolls, also premade, are ready to toss in along with the home made mac and cheese (bought fresh from the store) and the green bean casserole. The smell of pumpkin pie permeats the house from it's nice little packaging.
I never was much of a "home maker." I did make a turkey once, when I was 18. I decided after that, we'd let someone else make the turkey!
No, my place wasn't in the kitchen away from the family. It's always been in the mix, sitting with the kids, picking on the husband. Don't get me wrong, I do love to make huge elaborate meals for the family; just not ones that take two to three days to prepare.
Even though I'm not in the kitchen though, my mind and heart is still with so many I love and care for. The first on that list is my three children, one of whom is with his biological mother right now. These kids bring me so much joy every single day. My life just wouldn't be what it is without them. And when separated, my heart aches every moment of their absence.
And of course, my wonderful husband who puts up with so much! Today is a difficult day for him for his own reasons. I remember my life before him, and how it is now... I can't tell you how supportive this man is! He brought stability into my life when it was chaos. He brought laughter when all I had was tears. I wish for everyone to have a love like he brings to me.
Valerie- Little Man's bio mom. Having her around was much like having a grown daughter. When she allows herself to laugh, to really laugh, her whole face lights up and she lights up the room. Her playfullness reminds me of my own days as a teenager, when life was all about the fun. I think of her daily and hope she is doing well.
My best friend Mark is always in my thoughts, hopes and heart. I hope every day that his life becomes the life he's always wanted. I want nothing more than for the clouds to dissipate, and for him to find true joy, love and happiness.
My other best friend, Jessica, and her husband and child area always in my heart. She's been my rock when I was ready to just fall to pieces. Her strength and her faith keeps me going sometimes. She has faith enough for both of us, when I've lost all of mine.
I also have many new friendships, one of which is Tanya. She has listened to me cry, and comforted me so much these past couple of months. And I fear I don't give her much in return. She brings me reason and rationality when I am ready to just scream at the world.
So many gifts... none with a monetary value, and yet worth more than anything else in the world!
I also think of the Meadows family every single day. Recently, they gave me a gift that I needed so badly, but didn't realize it. I really was loved, and wanted. Just knowing that little fact makes a HUGE difference in a person's life and it is the reason that I now take every chance I can to let people know they ARE loved, they ARE wanted.
My mother, my brother and my sister... I read every day on Facebook to see that they are happy and joyful in their lives. We aren't close emotionally, but I do still love and care for them all deeply.
So many gifts... It is hard to list them all out, but every year, they should be recognized.
Bill, who gave me the one gift that I needed the most. He taught me how to love. He taught me that family is all that really matters in this world. He taught me how to trust again in the world around me, and in myself.
Rene, who loved unconditionally. I hope that as she watches from the heaven's above, she is pleased.
Mr. Keys, the person that gave me confidence in myself. When I didn't know my own abilities, he did. He helped me turn from the mousy girl hiding from the world, into the young woman I am now, ready to take charge and take control of the world around me.
Mr. Mayfield, who pissed me off so very much, but infuriated me to the point into taking action and proving my worth.
Mr. Young, who taught me that education is about more than what you learn in a class. It's about finding out who you are and what you're made of.
So many gifts I've been given.
Kristy, who saw something in me, and gave me a chance at LiveWork. Even with no prior real work experience in the field, even with no prior education in project management, she knew I could do it and encouraged me every single day.
My teams, who are so patient with me, and who understand that this is a partnership. I love watching every single one of them succeed. Their failures are my own. Their success is my joy.
My sweet animal friends. Even stray cows. These guys will tell everyone so much if people would just listen with their hearts and find the messages that are delivered. Even when they chew my wood floor, or tear apart the couch. Just as long as none of them steal my precooked turkey off of the table, it's all good!
I truly hope that everybody has had a wonderful year. May today bring you love, laughter, and joy like you've never felt before! And may the following year bring you only the best that life has to offer. As you spend your day, take the time to recognize in your hearts the gifts those around you have brought into your life.
These are the only gifts that truly matter.
Always,
Dana
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