Thanksgiving Blessings...

Next to Christmas, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love every aspect of the day. From the hustling around to prepare the house for company to cooking for the masses, Thanksgiving just makes me feel happy.

The entire family converges at my mom's house for the holiday. I think our family is unique. Although we often see each other only for holidays, we remain in close contact. Between the telephone, email and Facebook, we all remain active in each other's lives. We honestly like each other.

We celebrate our victories and grieve when someone in our family is hurt. The cavalry unites behind any family member who has been wronged. We remain united despite the obstacles. I love that when we all get together, we laugh.

By many standards our family is small in size. We are often morphed in numbers at weddings and funerals. We have a saying that we repeat when we are outnumbered. "We may be small, but we are mighty." I believe that phrase best describes my family.

I am thankful for so many things this year; paramount among them is my family. I know that I am never alone. I know that support and encouragement is only a call or an email away, regardless of where we live.

Many family relationships crumble under the strain of a disability, but the challenge of my amputation has only brought us closer. I have met numerous amputees who have had their relationships disintegrate because of the limb loss. I am thankful that we have been able to tackle the obstacles together.

Scott and I are truly blessed that Robby is healthy and curious. I am so very lucky to be able to stay home with him during these formative years. Being his Mommy is one of my greatest joys. I wouldn't trade being home with him for anything, and he is worth every sacrifice we have made to make this possible.

My family has struggled through heartache during the past year. Substance abuse seemingly destroys the souls of the users. It is often difficult to differentiate between the disease and the person. Drugs affect the entire family, not just the addict. I am thankful that we have all survived. Recovery is an arduous journey. I know that the loved ones are not alone, and we all continue to pray that sobriety will continue.

My sister has three children. Both of my nephews have been diagnosed with seizure disorders. The boys are on seizure medication which appears to be working. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer and faced her chemotherapy treatments with the tenacity of a soldier. She is now cancer free.

Through a miracle, Jakey has survived being struck by an SUV. His broken bones will heal and he will be recovered by the new year. For that, I could not be more thankful.

My mom is enjoying her retirement and remains busy with friends and her grandchildren. She is planning a much deserved cruise in January. Robby has been able to forge a bond with her which is reminiscent to the bond I held with my Nan and Pop. Seeing him play with her makes my heart happy.

Robby and I have been busy with Thanksgiving crafts. I asked him what he is thankful for. After thinking (a process which involves him tapping his pointer finger on the side of his head and repeating "think think think") he told me his answer, in this order. Robby is thankful for Mommy, Daddy, Nana, getting mail and sugar.

It is so easy to get bogged down with life's little dramas. I love Thanksgiving because it provides a platform to reflect on all of our blessings. Sometimes, when I count all my blessings, the struggles I am experiencing do not seem insurmountable.