I have so much to be grateful for, thanks to the incredible influence of my mom, a true angel who taught me to find the good in almost everything. When my oldest son, Francis, was born blind, she cheerfully reminded me how fortunate we were that he was only blind and not also deaf and developmentally delayed, as my brother was. When a fire destroyed half our house, she expressed gratitude that the other half, though smoke-damaged, was still standing. Even when my dad fell down the stairs and broke his leg, she found a silver lining, pointing out how much worse it could have been had he broken his neck. Now that I am older, I deeply appreciate the values instilled in me during my upbringing. While some may dream of owning a sleek Mercedes or a classic Cadillac, my 2012 Chevy, bought used, has been more than enough for me. The air conditioning keeps me cool in the summer, and the heater keeps me warm in the winter. Last Christmas, when my husband installed an automatic starter as a gift, the car became perfect in my eyes. I do not worry about scratches on the doors or dings in the bumper, and it is very unlikely anyone would want to steal it.

I am thankful for my well-worn home. After raising five children and welcoming numerous foster kids, I didn’t mind the little peanut butter fingerprints on the walls or the orange juice stains on the carpet. While I admire the beauty of others’ spotless, exquisitely decorated homes, I’m honest enough to admit that my housekeeping skills wouldn’t measure up in such an environment.

Our backyard grass is well worn and attempts to grow flowers or vegetables have always fallen short. Even if I had succeeded in growing flowers, they likely would have been trampled by the kids and pets. I have a deep appreciation for the beautifully landscaped gardens and meticulously maintained yards of others and admire their talent for creating such stunning spaces.

I am deeply grateful for the friendships in my life. Although there have been times when I couldn’t give them the attention they deserved and time slipped away, my friends are truly remarkable. Whenever we reunite, the passing of time and distance melts away, and we share moments of pure joy. We understand each other in a way that feels effortless and enduring.

I am incredibly grateful for my family. Though I have just two distant cousins still with us, my children and their families bring boundless joy to my life. While they face challenges — some more significant than others — problems are simply part of living. There is absolutely nothing my children could ever do to make me love them any less than with my entire heart.

It goes without saying that I still think Hubby is pretty great, even after all these years. He’s the Diet Coke supplier-in-chief and bravely tolerates my love of microwaved buttered popcorn, even if it means he has to evacuate the house because the smell turns his stomach. He’s made peace with my laissez-faire housekeeping skills and just rolls his eyes (with love, of course) when I lose my train of thought mid-sentence. He continues to rule in the kitchen, whipping up creations like scallops and bacon on skewers (a hit) and fish tacos (not so much).

I truly value finally having the option to enjoy some solitude when I choose. Relaxing on the recliner, playing lighthearted games like Candy Crush (currently at level 6292), or watching Judge Judy without a care are simple pleasures for which I never had time.

I am grateful for my life and all the wonderful people and blessings it holds. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!