A Season for Thanks--a unique perspective for 2011

It's kind of odd, feeling thankful while my husband is still looking for a job (this begins week 7 of unemployment). I see the ads for various charities--food kitchens, Toys for Tots, Heifer Project, to name a few--and not once do I feel like "the less fortunate". We are looking for everything we do qualify for (medication assistance--which I had before he lost his job--for my Enbrel; unemployment for my husband which will help pay for the insane COBRA insurance payment monthly).

But not once do I worry about food or for my kids going without.

When my husband lost his job Sept 19, we talked to the kids immediately. And with Christmas quickly approaching, I had to pull JediBoy aside, just so there would be no disappointment that day. Believe me, I'm not the kind of parent that believes my kids should have *everything* they want, regardless of money. But my kids are good, they help around the house far more than their peers, and are generally awesome people to be around.

Of course this is when I found out that JediBoy *knows* about Santa. He was really quite cute about it, and that's when I taught him our family motto: If you don't believe, you don't receive. So although there won't be cookies on the mantle, or yelling up the chimney to tell Santa he's going to bed, by GOD there WILL be stockings, hung with care ;)

Anyway.....I have been stashing things away as I've found them for the past few months, and health willing, I have a few items I want to make for the kids as well as friends.

So, even with no prospect of a job yet--though he just applied for a great position this week, and applied for a few more yesterday--how do I remain thankful?

*Blink*

Really, you've been reading this blog for HOW long and you're looking to me for sage advice?

Sanity through pharmaceuticals.

No, I AM being serious.

But serious joking aside, I am thankful because we DO have so much. We have family and friends who have told us to call upon them should we need anything at all. Everything from a friendly ear to hiring my daughter (I SO *heart* you Amanda!), it all matters and makes all the difference in the world.

I have amazing doctors who don't just see me as a patient, but as a person with a family. They care about the whole package. Dr. Awesome will listen about my kids--she is really the best mini-therapist in the world--because she knows that what is going on with them affects my health. My rheumatologist told me she's praying for us. I will once more be putting my trust in the surgeon who performed both my gall bladder surgery and JudoMan's--I have a hernia that's only getting worse, and with my out of pocket max reached, might as well have it taken care of now! (I see her tomorrow for my first consult--more updates as I have them).

My internet friends....whether my readers here, friends on Twitter or Facebook, and people I meet through blogging and book reviews....each a blessing themselves and I am far richer a person for knowing them, whether it's discussing a novel, the latest nail polish, or chatting with a longtime onine friend.

Most of all, my family.....JediBoy who can make me howl with laughter one minute, then bringing me ice packs for my headache and cuddling me the next. He's struggling with school, but he has the biggest heart and all his teachers care for him. His tales of his latest Dodgeball win (complete with slo-mo ninja dodging moves) make my day. JudoQueen, who dazzles me every day with her amazing sense of self and how she juggles her life. She is the girl I wish I had been in high school.  Watching TV with her or discussing psychology, or the mating habits of fruitflies (don't ask), I *love* this age. JudoMan, who balances it ALL, takes care of me, the house, the kids....and allows me to be exactly who I am, no conditions. And of course Willow the wonder dog, who is always there for a sweet nuzzle and comfort (and, once JM gets a job, we hope will be joined by a furry brother or sister).

My health is not good, my migraines are out of control. Jediboy's allergies and asthma continue to flare up. JudoQueen has normal teenage angst. And sometimes I do feel quite alone.

And yet, this Thanksgiving, I do feel blessed. I hope you and yours are likewise blessed now, and always.