Family in Feast and Feria

Don't miss the Thankfulness "Carnival" at Lisbet's blog.

I'm a bit late, but this is a good exercise for the spirit, so I thought I would write up a list.

This week, I am especially thankful for the people in my life:

1) For my husband--He's a wonderful provider, making huge sacrifices such as rising early, long commutes and a job that isn't so great. He's so warm, sweet, and thoughtful to me and ds. He has such a solid Faith and a true inspiration. A guy with romance, but a solid sports fan. A fabulous dad, playtime every evening, even when exhausted, and giving baths every night. Great to laugh, cry and pray with. My soulmate.

2) For my son--his birth was truly a miracle for us, and every day I marvel at the blessing he is. He has such enthusiasm for life, and loves so much. I'm thankful for the many, many, many hugs I get throughout the day. I love our snuggle reading time in the chair. I'm so grateful for his curious, questioning mind that helps both of us learn together. I love his spontaneous laughter, and contagious giggles. I am especially thankful for his love of God and his Faith, and his desire to learn more about God every day.

3) For my mother--Of course, the obvious of the gift of life, but her gift of Faith, and her continual love. She's always been a good friend, and we have deep conversations -- and light ones. I love sharing books, faith, woes and happiness with her. And I also love getting the gentle advice straight from her heart. She has the gift of being non-biased, and will offer advice when asked. I'm very grateful to her these past weeks, helping me watch ds during all my extra medical appointments. And I'm most grateful for her constant prayers.

3) For my father--He can't always say what he's feeling, but he shows concern and love and always ready to help us whenever he can.

4) For my grandmother--She passed away last November, but we can still feel her touch. I'm especially grateful this November, as we pray for the Departed, to be able to visit her grave and enjoy the family rememberings and praying with her together. I am thankful for her gift of Faith. She went to Mass daily. In the last years she sat in the left center back pew near the column. That is still her place...and her presence is still there every time our family gathers at daily Mass.

5) For my sisters--They are my best friends. I have 4 sisters, and each relationship is different but very special to me. As a whole, they are so supportive, emotionally, spiritually and physically. They cry when I hurt, and come to my aid when I need extra help. They share their children, their love, their experience and thoughtfulness always. I am particularly grateful for all the "drop everything" to come help in the past few weeks. And how wonderful they have been in supporting us through my son's food allergy needs.

6) For my brothers--Only two, and one on each coast. They provide the laughter and love that only brothers can give.

7) For my mother-in-law--No one could dream of a better one. I am loved like a daughter. I love to spend time with her. She treats us so wonderfully when we visit, and she has gone the extra mile to help provide the "safe" food for our son.

8) For my in-laws--brothers and sisters-in-law. When I was younger, I couldn't imagine how I could love other people other than my own flesh-and-blood siblings. My sisters' husband? My brothers' wife? Odd to me. Not anymore. These brothers-in-law are like brothers to me. Their concern and love for the family's needs is completely moving. And their commitment to the Faith is a constant inspiration. And my sisters-in-law bring in new perspectives on domestic and family life which is so wonderful to watch and learn.

9) For my nieces and nephews--I love them like my own children. They are such a blessing. And for my son, he has many friends to be found in his cousins.

10) For our parish priests--I am so grateful for our parish, and the priests we have serving here. They are such a blessing, with their time and talents. They all go the extra mile and provide great example for my son. I am especially grateful for the times when they have been available to just listen.

11) For my friends, on and offline--I met my husband online, so I know personally the benefits of finding jewels through email and Internet. If I can, I try to meet them in real life, to make the friendship completely whole. But some people I can't meet...but still all these friends, computer and real life friends have shared wonderful advice, support, love, emotional support and inspiration. I thank God for these truly genuine Women of Faith who love selflessly.

Truly, my cup runneth over in all the people God has put in my path.