It's November and Facebook is full of the "Thankful Everyday" posts. I have done my fair share of thankful shout-outs in the past but this year, I wanted to take a different approach and share my thankfulness on the things people often forget or overlook. Sure, I'm beyond thankful for my friends and family, for their unconditional love, wisdom and strength, and for being an anchor in my stormy life. But the smaller things in life, the ones that we often take for granted or go unacknowledged are the shout-outs I want to give this November. So, for what it's worth, this is my list of unconventional thankful shout-outs:
1. The boy who broke my heart, or, as Garth Brooks says, my unanswered prayers. Twenty five years have passed and now, as a 43 year old, I'm so grateful that my first love broke my heart. If he hadn't joined the military (and gone to college in another town) we probably would have gotten married and I would be a housewife in West Texas. Not that there is anything wrong with that and everyone know's that West Texas is where my heart is but that wasn't God's plan for me. He wanted me to be Ryan and Emily's mom. He knew that my hand fit perfectly in Trouper's and that we were meant to live in a city that never stops. Better yet, he knew that I was strong enough to travel the journey I'm on today and that I was needed for bigger and better things.
2. My commute. At the reunion, we laughed because people from Odessa complain about having to drive to Midland to shop, go to the doctor, or even to work. For those of us that live in a major metropolitan area, a 20 mile commute is a daily occurrence and actually means you live close to your doctor, job or shopping center. While I'm jealous of people who don't commute I've also learned to embrace mine. I listen and explore awesome music, listen to smart people (like Joel Osteen) and get to catch up on phone calls to friends and family (usually my Momma or Gina). It also gives me a few minutes to breath before the chaos of my day begins, and exhale when it's over. I relish this down time, it's really me time and I'm so thankful for it.
3. My iPhone. I'm not being materialistic, I'm simply being thankful that one device keeps me so connected. FaceTime is the best app, when Trouper is in the hospital and I'm at work, we can chat for a few minutes or I can see and hear the doctor and ask questions in real time. When I need to check on a test results or get doctor appointment info, it's right there, no need to call and wait for someone at the doctor's office to call me back. When I need to check in with the kids, group text them. When I want to catch up on people's lives, even when they live 1200 miles away, I just click on FaceBook and I'm right there and I never worry about leaving my camera at home!
4. My work family. The most dysfunctional bunch of people I've ever met but the Lord knew what he was doing when he connected me to my job. If I need to rant about how high my medical bills are, they listen. If I need someone to run out and grab me lunch, all they need is my debit card and if I need to catch up on last night's episode of Scandal, Empire or any Housewife show, they've got me covered. Even the ones I clash with make my life complete, they give me a reason to do better, to try harder and to be a better person. Plus they are funny and make me laugh when I want to cry, and, let me cry when I need to.
5. Music. It speaks what can't be spoken, heals hearts, takes you back to a moment in time and is always there no matter the time of day. I am so thankful that I was raised to love and appreciate music. To respect it, cherish it and really connect with it. In school, my Mom always supported my decision to be in choir, my Grandma always urged me to sing at church and my Dad insisted I was raised knowing CCR, Neil Young, Gino Vannelli and the Beatles. Music has been my solace, late at night, when I needed to cry, to rejoice or just be still for a few minutes. When Ryan was a baby and couldn't sleep, we would play "Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers and he instantly calmed down, like he was listening to the lyrics. When Emily was a toddler, she listen to "Return to Pooh Corners" by Kenny Loggins so much she wore a CD out. When Trouper was in a coma, and I would sit by his bed for hours, I sang our songs. Music is like home, it just feels right.
