There’s much to be thankful for

Even though Thanksgiving is another week away, I’ve been reflecting on my life and giving thanks for what I have.

I’m thankful for my mother, who would do anything for me. I’ve had a couple surgeries over the past two years and my mother has taken time off from work to take care of me, either by making food, getting me a blanket or simply watching TV with me. And even though she hid the bell I would ring if I needed her, I am grateful.

I am thankful for my father, who is probably the smartest person in the world. I attended high school in Michigan while we were transitioning our move to South Dakota. There were plenty of nights I would call at 8 p.m., needing help on math or science homework. He would spend most of the night helping me understand problems and equations. Let’s face it, I probably wouldn’t have been top in my class if it wasn’t for him.

I’m thankful for all my family and friends, from co-workers, high school and college friends to the people I’ve met along the way. A life without friends is a lonely life to live and let’s be honest, my life is pretty interesting!

I’m thankful for my cats. I’ll be the first to admit it, I’m dancing on that fine line of a crazy cat lady, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am thankful for my cat, Ember, and kitten, Kindle, and their spastic ways. Sure, they get cat hair over everything, steal my blanket when I walk away and sneeze in my face, but I can’t imagine a day without them.