I'd Like To Thank The Academy.....

I'm grateful for my husband. I am the luckiest woman in the world to have found someone who knows all about me, has seen me at my physical and emotional worst, and yet still loves and adores me. He has never once laughed at me. I love you Hubbs.

I'm grateful for my Oldest. I feel blessed that he has decided to maintain a relationship with me even though I was not the best mother. He has grown in to a fine man in spite of his upbringing. Thank you son. You make me proud.

I'm grateful for my Youngest. He is respectful and polite, and he laughs at my jokes. He helps out when needed, he eats my tofu burritos without complaint, and he thinks I'm pretty. Thank you child.

I'm grateful for my brother. He has saved me from some crazy situations. He picks me up, brushes me off, and shoves me back out the door to try again. He is the father I never had. Thank you.

I'm grateful for the women who chose to marry in to my family. I know it's tough, we are all basically insane. But I think if you look at how we were brought up, you realize that we're actually doing damn well. You are both good women. Thank you for sticking around.

I'm grateful for the 2 cutest grandchildren in the world. Seeing their cute little faces makes me smile, and I love the fact that I'm a grandmother.

I'm grateful that my brother and I are actually leading healthy, productive lives. We are not repeating the cycle, and that is a miracle. We win.

I'm grateful for Little Wing. We finish each other's sentences, communicate without speaking, and she loves me, psychoses and all. Thanks for being there chickie.

I'm grateful for my in-laws. Mother, Brother, Sister-you are all such kind hearted, good people. You've helped me when I needed it and have never judged me. Thank you.

I'm grateful that I was able to care for my mother when she was dying, and I was holding her hand when she finally passed. I love you Mom, and I miss you every day.

I'm grateful for my job. It's like one big happy dysfunctional family, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

I'm grateful for my health. I have a few issues, but nothing that can't be dealt with.

I'm grateful I'm able to provide good food, a warm home, and a loving atmosphere for everyone who passes through my door.

I'm grateful for finally realizing that what happened to me in my past, and the resulting bad choices I have made, do not make me a bad person. I couldn't have done that without the people I love.

I'm grateful for the friends I have made in the blogging community. You make me laugh, you give me hope, and you let me know I am not alone. Thank you.

I'm (learning to be) grateful for every wrinkle, stretch mark, and scar. My body has served me well-it's given me 2 wonderful children, and it keeps on ticking in spite of all the abuse I have inflicted on it.

And finally, I'm grateful that I have learned to laugh at myself, appreciate what I have, and speak up if there is something I need. I spent far too many years being silent, and I don't have to do that anymore. I have a voice, and I deserve to be heard. I not only know this, but I believe it.

Happy Thanksgiving. I hope everyone reading this has the best day ever!