Thankful

I’m a bit late on a Thanksgiving post but I’d like to think I’m grateful year round #liar

I am thankful for my incredible children who have taught me patience, understanding, and love that I cannot even begin describe. I’d love to have the same amount of confidence as Penny and the same joy as Rory. Even on mornings like yesterday when Penny argues with me about wearing a cowboy hat instead of a winter hat and Rory won’t stay dressed no matter how often I clothe him.

…I’m also thankful I can laugh instead of losing my temper at least 85% of the time(-ish).

On days when I want to throttle my husband, I am still thankful for someone to love me on my worst days and who I can count on for unwavering support – even when he probably thinks I’m losing my damn mind. It’s great to have someone who is legally obligated listen to me rant and hang out with me and who also makes me laugh out loud 20 times a day – most times unintentionally.

I am thankful for the most supportive family (including in-laws, of course) who I know I can call at any moment for anything and who love my kids as much as I do. I always joke that I’ll never go missing because I’m 100% always in contact with my mom, dad, and/or sister. If no one hears from me within an hour, a search party will likely be formed. Did I tell you about the time my phone accidentally got cut off while we were at Costco? I came home to a note on my door from my sister to call her or mom immediately.

I am thankful for my friends who are like family and who make life so much more fun. Included in this, I am thankful for a supportive autism community that “get it” and make our Autism parenting journey so much more enjoyable.

On days when I feel bombarded with appointments for the kids and have no idea how I am going to juggle it all, I am still so incredibly thankful to have a group of professionals who support us and who are only a phone call away. The reason my children have come so far and are the most pleasant kiddos around is largely in part because of the people who surround them and help out where they can. I am also most definitely thankful for healthcare coverage because free healthcare is the bomb.

I am thankful for a job with insurance with the flexibility and leave to do what I need to do and leave when I need to leave, even on the days when I feel the pressures of being a working parent of two kiddos who need extra support.

When our house feels like it’s falling apart and feels like a big ol’ money pit, I am thankful for a warm place to rest our heads and the ability to own our own home. The oil heat may be costing us a small fortune, but it’s a warm house none the less. I refuse to be thankful for the mess, but I can be thankful that we will never want for anything.

It’s easy to complain and see the worst, but even with all the chaos it can be easy to see the good too.

Happy Thanksgiving – 3 days late!