enduring my blessings

good morning!  i've been visiting over at liza's place and she has tagged us all.  you can read her here:

http://journals.aol.com/philadlfiagrl/lizaslife/

anyway, liza wants us to list 10 things we're thankful for.  that's always a good idea, because in the rush and roar of holiday preparations, we tend to forget, except in some quiet moment after the family has descended on the table like locusts (*grin*), or wrapping paper is strewn across the floor like leftover tinsel.  so liza - here's my list.  and i'm thankful for you, for reminding me.

1.  i'm thankful my father's cancer is gone.  he had a helluva battle this past year, but he rose to the occasion like the fighter he is.  and after the chemo and radiation treatments, he can finally eat again and is weaning himself from painkillers.

2.  i'm grateful my mother is doing as well as she is, and for her sweetness.  she truly is the glue that holds the family together.

3.  i'm SO thankful my son has decided to go back to school.  he quit this semester...but finally, he has seen the light.  and i'm also glad his girlfriend was NOT pregnant, like she thought. 

4.  i'm grateful for my family - king sized can of mixed nuts that we are.  we're close, even when we're feuding (which doesn't happen much anymore), and if one needs the other, we're there.

5.  of course, i'm grateful for my friends - especially my women friends, because i have seen that as we grow older, those relationships with other women take on a new importance.

6.  for my job, now that ava has calmed down.  where else could i work that offers so much diversity and adventure?  and for my coworkers, who for the most part, come together like a family.  there are times when i see an outpouring of love and support that makes me bow my head at the enormity of spirit.

7.  for my canine family, loving little souls that they are.  and they shall have their own thanksgiving dinner.  i'll see to it.

8.  for the firefighters at station 7 who refuse to let me burn down my kitchen.

9.  for all of you, out here in cyberspace, who have touched lives and closed distances.

10.  for the opportunity to thank everybody for the gifts of love, friendship, lessons taught and examples set.

and now it's your turn.  following liza's lead, i tag you all.