Today I am thankful for the people who inspire me.  I am thankful for the living examples in my life that have either overcome, or are living with chronic illnesses in the most positive ways that they can…

I have family members and friends with MS who are running marathons, working full time jobs, raising kids…

Today I am thankful for friendships…all of the friendships I have had in my 29 years.  I am thankful for friends who are near and far.  I am thankful for friends who know what kind of day I am having when I say a simple “hello” when I pick up the phone. 

I am thankful for my gymnastics friends.  For my elementary and middle school friends.  For my Sexton friends.  For my Spartan friends.  For my Wexford friends.  For my neighbor friends.  For family friends.  For friends of friends.  For the friends who once were Brad’s friends but who now are OUR friends. 

Today I am thankful for music.  I have always loved all kinds of music.  I have already mentioned how music has played such a role in keeping me sane during this time.  I am thankful how music can change my mood in an instant.  I am thankful how music can inspire me. I am thankful how music can evoke so many emotions.  I am thankful for the songs that seem to be written just for me.  If you walked into my house during the day, you would almost always hear music playing. 

I love this quote from Ray Charles: 

Today I am thankful for my extended family.  I am thankful for the safety net and love that my extended family provides.  I am thankful to know that I could call up any one of my cousins, uncles, or aunts, and they would have my back in a heartbeat.  I am thankful for the times all of my extended family is one place. 

Today on Thanksgiving, I have so much to be thankful for.  I am thankful for traditions and for family.  I am thankful that I get to celebrate Thanksgiving with both sides of my family; the Dama’s and the Jaskolski’s.  I am thankful for all of my extended family; aunts, uncles, cousins…

I am thankful for the delicious food that fills my tummy.  Bounzadotes (sp?), Stuffing, Gnocchi and Italian Sausage, Turkey, Stuffed Mushrooms, Lemon Bars, Broccoli Rice casserole, Kids Wine, and so much more.