What are you thankful for? --A Thanksgiving Post--

Every year at this time I am usually extremely busy with school, thanks to all of my professors, but I take time out at Thanksgiving to appreciate all of the things I have obtained/maintained over the last year. This post will serve as my list this year.


I am thankful for having some of the best group of friends in the entire world. When I needed you, you were there for me, and as I made the transition from dependent in the county to independent in the city, you were there to make me feel at home.


Neale, thank you for letting me into your home, and allowing me to get up on my feet again. I truly believe that I wouldn't be where I am today, if it wasn't for the kindness and patience you gave by letting me live in your home.


I have had a rough year, with ups and downs. I want to thank those friends who were always there to lend a shoulder for me to cry on. This includes Mike T,Caitlin, Drew, Ellie, Meredeth, Dave, Don, Sharon, and Todd. You are mostly friends that I didn't really have before this year, yet I don't think now that I do have you, can live without. I am especially thankful for Andrew, you have grown to be one of my very best friends in St. Louis, and I don't know what I would do without you here. I've not quite met anyone like you, and I think you are what I needed to get through the last few months. Thank you.


Thank you to those friends who always invited me out, made me feel welcome when I moved to South St. Louis City. Those include Rene, Tony B, Sarah, Rachael, Kyle, Mike B, Robin, Scott, Tristan, Clay, Cliff, Nick, and my whole Crew at The Luna Lounge! Especially you, Jason. You've definitely been someone that I was glad to have met. I don't know yet how I will thank you for putting together such a great party for my graduation!


I am thankful that I am not homeless, that I was able to finally get a decent job, that I truly value. I am thankful that when I get up everyday, I am making a difference in the world. I am thankful that I have a car, and enough money in the bank to satisfy my need for woot shirts.


I am thankful that I am still in touch with some wonderful friends from my past, who I continue to speak to through facebook, twitter, and phone conversations. These include but are not limited to Sheila in Texas, Ryan in Minnesota, Matt Borger in Oklahoma, and Bethany in South Korea.


I am thankful for all of the wonderful ideas you all give me, the ways you push me, and the love that you have shown over the last year.


I am thankful for my siblings, Linda, Melissa, and Matthew, and my brother-in-law Jimmy. They have really been supportive for me and everything I am trying to accomplish.


I am thankful that I was raised by two of the greatest parents in the world. They weren't perfect, but they definitely showed they loved me, and still do. I am thankful for my Mother and Kellene, they are the best cheerleaders that I could have, yet they tell me what's real when I need it. I am thankful for Dad, even though you've been gone for two years, I still find things that I do, think, feel, that I know you gave me. I have held onto these ideas, feelings, thoughts, and have stored them and forgot about some of them until recently. Every time I debate with someone, watch a debate, discuss politics, or even go to work for my federal agency, I think of what you've told me. You live on in me, and I truly thank you for that gift.


I am thankful for my nephews and my niece, because they remind me to stay as innocent as I possibly can. When I am around them, I feel young and carefree, yet I feel older like a mature role model that I need to represent for them. They keep me centered in that way.


I am thankful for Chloe, because she's the most awesomely intelligent and loving dog.


I am thankful that I don't have to worry when I get sick anymore. That I have insurance and can just go to the doctor when I have something seriously wrong with me. I am thankful that I don't have to be scared every time I get a cold, that it's going to turn into pneumonia, because I couldn't afford to get medication to combat my asthma with.


Last, but not least. I am thankful that finally, at 25...I feel like I've come into my own. I'm graduating (hopefully) in three weeks, and I will be a full fledged working adult, with half of a plan, and whole determination to begin accomplishing my long term goals.


I love everyone who has come into my life and made it interesting. You all are truly cherished.


Feel free to write what you are thankful for in the comments section below!