I Am Grateful.

*Warning: Sappy heartfelt nostalgia below*

I could sit here and list every single person that I am thankful for but I won’t because they know it. My family and friends know that I am a big sap and that I could just eat them all up with a spoon. Even you guys know that I adore you more than I could possibly ever express. What some of you do not know is that I am more than thankful, I am grateful.

Grateful for each and every moment that has contributed to our lives. Moments where choices were made and lives were changed. Not all of the choices were easy yet they are multifaceted as a prism. If you hold them up to the light just right you can see the magnitude of their beauty. Those precious moments of light  are what I am most grateful for. They are where the magic happens. A love discovered, a child born, a friendship developed and hope ignited. Nothing is more precious.

This Thanksgiving I would like to focus on hope. Hope is nourishment for the soul and remains an ever bright beacon in my family’s life. I would like to share some foundations with you all that are a part of our lives and will be forever. They have brought hope not only to our family but to many other children and families.

If my parents had not chosen to adopt I can unequivocally tell you all that I would have been an immensely miserable and lonely child. I can’t imagine my life without my three, unique, diverse wonderful siblings. Our lives are complete and richer because of them. To describe what it means to be their big sister is beyond my capability. Suffice it to say they are mine and I am theirs…in all ways, forever.

Many families have to adjust and cope with children being born with difficulties and hardships. Having a baby sister that had to (and still does) face health challenges  placed upon her by a personal choice, rather than a twist of fate was an awakening moment during my teenage years. Her brilliance, strength and optimism through all of her many daily trails has taught each of us to value what we take for granted. The quote “ Free will is the right to make choices. Be sure that you choose wisely” speaks volumes for the turn of events at the beginning of her life. My sister… she is my first baby and the light that always shines through our shadows.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was a spur of the moment choice made in desperation following an unexpected diagnose with my baby brother. Thank goodness for the small wonder that made my grandmother suggest them to my parents that fateful weekend. My brother had to battle fiercely during his childhood in order to get to where he is today. He is fortunately one of their success stories.  St. Jude’s doctors and nurses gave him as well as my parents the support and tools they would need to fight those battles. They are miracles unto themselves and continue to work their magic with many families everyday.

So I am grateful. Grateful for each and every moment that has contributed to our lives.

I know that there are many more moments to come. Bright as well as some shadowed ones lie ahead of us. My hope is that we will all focus on the bright moments. That we will take the prism from the shadows and hold it up to the light. It’s myriad colors may be fluid and shift constantly but they are nonetheless spectacular. Remember today on this day of giving thanks, giving back and family to keep hope along with love bright.

Now go have loads of fun, stuff yourselves full of turkey, dressing and mashed potatoes. If by chance some choice opportunities for a shenanigan or two come your way today by all means take them. It’s all about those moments my friends {wink}.

From my family to yours, have a fantastic Happy Thanksgiving!!

Love,

Red, Surferboy and The Monkeys