Do you have a thankful list?

I do.  I am thankful for…

My parents, who though they had struggles, always loved each other. That spoke volumes to me.

My first husband George, who passed away in 1996, made me thankful everyday that I was his wife of twenty three years. His love, compassion, sincerity and adventurous spirit brought his family of six through the hills and valleys of life. If my heart was visible, you would see his name written there. His legacy lives on in our four wonderful children.

Our four grown children, who are amazing people, make me thankful everyday that I get to be their mother. They are incredibly bright, industrious, caring and thoughtful. My two daughter-in-laws and one son-in-law are equally amazing. They are gifted and generous. My six grandchildren, four girls and two boys, are simply the best in the world. Of course there is some bias in that statement, but as their Grammy, I reserve the right to brag.

My late husband Norm, who passed away in 2013, made me believe I could do anything. His quick wit, perseverance and “fix anything that’s broken” attitude, is enshrined forever in my sweet memories of him. His two sons, daughter-in-law, and grandson, are also mine. They are precious people with hearts of gold.

I could end the list here and be fully satisfied, but there are other important items on my thankful list that are worth noting.

I am thankful that I became an educator, and that I spent almost everyday with children and young people, in addition to my own. I am thankful that I worked with parents, teachers, principals, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, nurses, counselors, school secretaries, attendance clerks, crossing guards, and a multitude of district and county office coordinators, directors, technology folks and superintendents. There are hard working, dedicated individuals among them. They taught me much for which I am very thankful.

I am also thankful that I clearly understand the real meaning of choice, separate from any politics or ideology. Life is full of choices. We choose to be kind, or not. We choose to forgive, or not. We choose to see the good in people, or not. We make choices all the time.  Some of us choose to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Some of us choose to serve.

Some of us choose to LEARN, or not.

I am sincerely thankful for educational options that provide choice in the most fundamental of human experiences – LEARNING.

What are you thankful for today?