Thankful.

So it's that time of year again.  Er, almost.

Eeyup-- Thanksgiving. November 28th.

 For many, it's a time to get excited about the food, getting to see family, and days off from school or work.  For me, while I enjoy all of those things, it's hitting home a little harder this year.
There's just so much to be thankful for.  And I wish that every day were as reflective as Thanksgiving is... Perhaps that's something I should put as a resolution starting now.

  There are a multitude of things for which I am thankful...I may add on to this list over a couple of days up until Thanksgiving because sometime, what you're thankful for may just appear right in front of you-- triggered by a memory or a smell, or a story...

I am thankful for my family.  
My mom.  My dad.  All five of my crazy, annoying, adorable and hilarious siblings.  My two dogs, and all of the extended family.  At my most vulnerable, they are there.  Every step of the way.  They offer guidance and joy, even though they can be a little kooky.  I always have someone to turn to, to talk to, to confide in.  Without them, life would not be worth living.

I am thankful for my friends.  
Some of which I have had ever since I was younger... We have grown up together, laughed together, cried together, shared many a memory together... Loyal and loving, accepting and never judging.  They raise me up in the worst of times, and support who I am.  They help me stay on track, and help me get through a lot.

I am thankful for J. 
In addition to "boyfriend", he counts as my best friend.  He is unbelievably kind and never fails to make me smile, even when I don't think I am able to.  He listens and cares, holds and comforts;  I am so lucky to have him.  He's been such a big part of my life this past year.

I am thankful for the seasons.  
I am not a fan of cold weather.  But I love snow and the beauty of fall, and sometimes nothing can compare to a quiet snowy night, a breezy autumn afternoon, a vivid and fragrant spring day, and a warm and alive summer twighlight.

I am thankful for health.  
I'm not feeling too great now, and it makes me realize how much I take being healthy for granted.  I know this; you don't really know how useful breathing out of your nose is until it's all stuffed up and you can't use it.  Somewhat related to that,

I am thankful for doctors, medicines, research and technology.  
All of these things have contributed to the quality of my life, and most recently... They helped my grandfather get through his dangerous surgery.  Expert doctors and the best care helped ensure the success of his procedure, and for that we are all thankful.  And relieved.  Very much relieved.   The research programs that we have... the amount of people working to find cures for countless diseases... I am so thankful.  It's like having an army behind you saying "we're going to look for a cure, and we'll do anything we can to reach that goal."  It just makes me want to take all of my money and donate it to research to find a cure.  Too many people I love have died or suffered from things like cancer, and it hurts saying "oh, there's no real cure for that..."  There should be.  And I'm glad we have all of the doctors and medicines and research and technology to take us to the path of finding one.

I am thankful for food.
I know, I know.  It seems a little silly, but I love food.  Sometimes I have to put my fork down in the midst of my tongue tingling moments of savour to realize-- some people go hungry on a daily basis.  And you'd think, "well there's food everywhere! How can people go hungry?"  Well.... That's where things like oppressive governments and no-good farmland and greed comes in.  But I know I want to give, and at least stop a bit of hunger this season.  Compared to the world, it won't mean much.  But I'll try it anyways.  Maybe then it will make my (seemingly) Thanksgiving "feast" all that more meaningful.

I am thankful for all of the men and women who serve our country.
Many of the rights and privileges we have today would not exist if it were not for them.  It's a little hard to wrap your mind around the amount of people who have died for this country... all so that our friends, family, children and other loved ones can live in peace and freedom.  Veteran's day was a little while ago... but you know what? I think that everyday should be, in essence, Veteran's Day.  Those men and women should be honoured for their abundance of  bravery, effort, and valor.  It's not easy to up and leave where you are...your family, your job, your home... to lay down your life for your country.  Though I'm sure--ask any one who has served-- it's a choice to be proud of.

I am thankful for music.  
My escape, my free time, my sanity.  Without it, I don't know what the world would be like.  Some songs have the power to make you feel more than you've ever felt... whether it be a break-up anthem, a tear-jerking ballad, a beautifully composed classical piece, or a feel good beat with a bunch of bass... it's all a part of my life.  Some songs bring back memories, some songs are being built into memories each and every day.  All I can say is, I listen to music (heck, I sing to it!) all the time.  It truly is part of who I am.