Grateful for. . .

So, I am up tonight with a terrible cough/cold and my ankle is throbbing. I came across this on a blog I read a lot, and the 30 days of gratefulness. Technically, this has been ongoing for 5 days now, so we are going to jump on board with Day 4. So, in this crazy world when life seems to be overwhelming. Let's take the time to stop and examine what we are especially grateful for.

DAY 4, Grateful For:

The first "thing" that comes to mind are my parents. I am so blessed to have a mom and dad who will do anything for me. Case in point, my dad and mom are keeping my two crazy dogs this upcoming weekend so some missionaries can stay at my home over the weekend. I thought it best if the doggies weren't around. I do miss them.

My parents are amazing amazing people. Even though we don't agree on everything and they have a TERRIBLE time with letting go (maybe more on that some day), my parents would do anything for me. Their faith is incredible. I am blessed to be raised in a home where we knew about Jesus Christ and not only did we "know" of him, we saw him at work. My mom visits a great aunt on my dad's side almost daily when few from "the family" come to see her. My dad will do anything to help someone out. If they see a need, no matter if they have the money or not, my parents jump in to help.

Throughout the past year, my parents have really been there for me.

Through two feet in casts at the same time (although they really got on my nerves some times during that time, I know they really were trying to help). My dad built a ramp, one of the best ramps my PT had ever seen BTW so I could leave the house in a wheelchair and when it needed to be extended for my walker, he showed up tools in hand! :0)

Through moving and buying a house and making sure the builder fixed the "stuff" that was wrong. Through inspecting the property and determining if I was making a good decision or not.

Through a relationship ending. I waited to tell my parents about 2-3 weeks after it happened b/c I was afraid of my dad's response. :0) I am a daddy's girl through and through. The last serious relationship I had end my dad was pretty darn mad with the guy and this time, I didn't want him to be upset. My dad has had several TIAs (mini strokes). My dad's first comment, you don't seem too upset. My response, "Why am I going to cry over someone who doesn't love me enough to tough it out" (he broke up with me because I had been emotional while having two broken feet. As Eugenia, my best friend, someone I will write about during this journey I am sure, said, HELLO you had TWO BROKEN FEET! :o) My dad's response, he's immature and you deserve God's best. :o)

Through my car accident, fighting with the insurance company, being told the person who hit me's insurance would cover everything only to be told over 4 weeks later, "Sorry, we are not going to cover this accident." To helping me get my car fixed and back to the shop when the window's still didn't work.

My parents do a lot of "stuff" for my grandmother. She lives across from them and my mom takes her everywhere now as she has lost her vision. I am grateful for them spending time with her, taking care of the details of life, but also since I can't be there.

Today, I treated two little ones who came from a very interesting home situation. Beautiful children who just desire to be loved. It makes me appreciate all my parents have done for my sister and myself.

To mom and dad, THANK YOU! I am grateful for you!!

PS: I am also grateful for tissues tonight as my nose keeps running and running and running. :o)