A Time For Thanks

Over the span of my last sixteen Thanksgivings, I've created the bad habit of never actually sorting out my thoughts and figuring out what I was really thankful for. At 17, I'm a little late, but I'm just happy that I'm not too late and that I have amazing people around me that reminded me of that. We should always appreciate those around us, every single day. It's something that I'm looking forward to starting right now.

“A hundred men may make an encampment, but it takes a woman to make a home.” -Chinese proverb
If the saying is 'Like Mother, Like Daughter,' I sure don't mind. My mom is the most hard-working, loving, caring, important, beautiful, and funniest person I know. I have never met anyone who has more strength than her. It's always been something I've looked up to her for and hope to take with me when I start my own life. Throughout everything that's happened in the last few years, she's never given up on herself or her family. Thanks to her, I've really learned to just let things go, one of the most important lessons that I've learned in these past few months. And as we continue to go through things, and even if we do get into the little fights, I want her to know that I will always be here for her and I am extremely thankful that I have a mother that loves us all unconditionally. Even if she does love John Mayer:)
"Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes."-Gloria Naylor
When I think of my dad, there's always one memory in particular that pops into my head. Sometime in 2007, we went on a trip to California so we could go to Universal Studios. It was a fun day but at some point, we inevitably got hungry and meandered down to the City Walk for lunch. After we were all full and satisfied, we made our way back into the park. Right before we were about to re-enter, my mom exclaimed "I forgot the camera at the table!" At those words, my dad immediately ran off in hope that our camera would still be there. We all waited in anticipation, hoping that no one had touched our camera bag, especially since all of our memories were both in the video camera and digital camera. Five long minutes later, we saw my dad in the crowd and the camera bag was on his shoulder. He had gotten it back just for us. For the longest time, I always wondered why this was always my favorite memory of him. It wasn't until he moved out in September that I realized why. When my dad went running off to get the camera, he didn't care that everyone was staring at him like he was crazy, all he cared about was getting something important for his family. Then I realized that that's what he had been doing his whole life. He's always worked hard to make us happy. Even though he moved out and it's really sad for us all, I'm so thankful that I have a dad that cares so much about us all. He could've easily left and never seen or talked to us again, but he won't. As hard as this decision was for everyone, it was something that had to happen and regardless of what did or will happen, I love my dad and am happy that he's still a part of my life.

"They resemble us just enough to make all their differences confusing, and no matter what we choose to make of this, we are cast in relation to them our whole lives long."-Susan Scarf Merrell
Ah, siblings. A parent's revenge for putting mom in so much pain when you were born. Hands down, these two little turds make me angrier than anyone else can. But in their defense, they probably make me laugh more too. Although they were born to annoy me, it's still kind of cool to think that there's two people that look up to you as their role model. Also, you can be as weird as you'd like in front of them and be sure that they won't tell anyone:) I can't wait until we're all grown up and have kids, I know it'll be so fun! And plus, we won't be living together so I'm sure we'll all like each other A LOT more:D


"A friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself.”-Jim Morrison
Oh Emma:) I am soooo glad that we started hanging out in 8th grade and became best friends. I can't even imagine my life without you! You make me laugh so much, you don't even know. That's my favorite part about you! I'm so thankful that we've remained best friends because we both know how many people have came and gone in our lives. I really hope that we're best friends forever, and you know what? I'm pretty sure we will be:) Emma, you're a beautiful person and I love you. Thank you for being my best friend! Here's to many more years of doing Harry Potter stuff! And yes, I will plan your bachelorette party :) lol.

"Best friends are the siblings God forgot to give us."-Unknown
Kelsey. Woooow, I can't believe I've known you for 7 1\2 years! I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. We're so alike that it's scary sometimes. Especially recently. We're basically sisters now haha. We can talk to each other about anythingggg. And we can also act like idiots :) I don't know anyone else that likes 70's\80's bands as much as us! As you already know, I'm always here for you and you can talk to me about anything in the world and I know the same goes for me. Thanks for letting me go to your house every second and for being my best friend since fourth grade! :D
"Often the cats who need the most affection are the ones that are the most difficult to love and scratch you when you're trying to pet them."
Yep, that sums up Winky! Yeah she's a cat, but I'm thankful for her! She may act like she hates me sometimes but I know she loves me! Like that one time I almost burnt down the house due to flaming potatoes! She didn't have to tell me, but she did and I didn't burn down the house:D I may be the only one that likes her, but that's okay. I have lots of love to give her:

"Cats know how we feel. They don't care, but they know."
'Nuff Said:)
I hope everyone takes the time to think about what and who they're thankful for today. When you start thinking about it, you you realized how great life really is:)

Love, Alexis, The Grateful One