Thankfulness or appreciative?

So many times over this last eight months, I have struggled to find joy, be thankful and yet here we are, on Thanksgiving when I am supposed to reflect back upon what I am thankful for. Isn't that what we are supposed to do? Be reflective?

I am trying to find cheer, find gratitude. One some days, I'll be honest, it can be difficult. So today, this day of thankfulness, I am going to focus on those things that I can unequivocally say that I am thankful for.

I am thankful for my family. There have been ups and downs and, even through the rough times, they have stood by me. I am thankful for my children...all in all they are good people and I am proud to have been a part of their journey and continue to be. I am thankful for Javad's spirit that, despite everything, he continues to approach life with a smile. He has all the rights to be angry, be sad, be frustrated and he still smiles. I am thankful that on that fateful day last March, his fighting spirit came through...because of that he is still here, still smiling.

I am thankful for the nurses we have that care for Javad, keeping him healthy and strong. These men and women give of themselves and have become a part of our family. We are lucky to have such love and commitment to him.

I am thankful for my job, one that I love, and for my students. They bring me much joy every day...even the days I am frustrated. I feel honored to be a part of their journey, one of knowledge and personal growth. I am reminded every day of the powerful position I have been given and I am thankful for their impact on my journey as well.

I have much to be thankful for, and for today, I will focus on those. I will brush aside my sadness and feelings of despair and remember that I truly have so much...for that I am thankful.