HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I am thankful for...

... Ruther. My one true love, my rock, my joy, my source of strength, my partner, my heart, my soul, my everything. Without you, the world would be less colorful, less beautiful, less wonderful. You are the one person who truly understands me, sees the real me and accepts me wholly and completely. Sweetie, nothing compares to you and I love you.

... Nikki. My support system, my dependable son. You are what I hoped my eldest child would be: responsible, emphatic, caring, independent, smart. You are that and so much more. I see a lot of potential in you and I hope that I could help you be who you are meant to be in God's eyes.

... Ethan. My comfort, my breath of fresh air. You give us so much joy with your laughter, your unpredictability, your smile and funny antics. I hope that nothing will faze you, that you will remain adventurous and fun-loving and will stay true to yourself.

... My family. I am grateful for my parents - for their guidance and their love. I would not be who I am if it weren't for them. I am grateful for the wonderful way they have brought me and my siblings up. I am also thankful for my brother and sister and for our closeness and our never-ending bonding moments.

... Ruther's parents. Without them I would not have my soulmate. For that, I will be grateful to them forever.

... good health. I am thankful that my family has been relatively healthy all these years and has not been afflicted with a serious illness. I am thankful that Nikki's congenital illness was only mild and did not require serious or radical treatment and also that he has recovered from his Beta-Thalassemia.

... our trip to Japan. It was a magical moment for our family. It was a time when we learned to be by ourselves, to be by ourselves and to cope by ourselves. We managed, we bonded, we had fun and we learned so much. More importantly, it was a moment when we realized that when we're together we could overcome anything and everything.

... Ruther spending Christmas with us this year. Christmas is always a big deal for me. And this year is no different. Having Ruther with us this year makes it really special and wonderful. Guaranteed.

... God's many blessings and graces. I know that my family and I have been receiving many of these through the years and for every little grace we have received (and will receive), I am so grateful; be it having food on the table, coming home safely from a trip, having enough money to last the month, being safe after a mishap or seeing my mom and dad one more time. I always count these blessings and will always be grateful for the generosity of our Father. I am humbled by His love and His giving heart.

... my friends - old and new. Thank you for the lessons shared, the experiences revealed, the friendly advice and all your love and warmth and concern. The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship. - Ralph Waldo Emerson