Thanks to you all . ..

First, I want to apologize to all of you. I promised to share my gratitude with you every day . . . and my Internet went out. I've been fighting with the cable company for days. Finally I can say I'm grateful to be back online.

It's so close to Thanksgiving that I need to get caught up quickly. It's easy to be thankful for the big stuff that happens in our lives. We look at our new car, home, appliances and such ~ easy gratitude. The small stuff is what has held me through my life . . .

. . . in the midst of my fear, anxiety, depression and sadness somewhere a voice comes to me with these words. Truth is ~ it does pass. For those who've said it to anyone . . . Thank you.

So many times words aren't enough, but a small graphic~smiley. I'm so grateful for those little nothings. You care enough when I am alone and careless.

Several times a day, Rob comes in to rub my feet for me. He has even washed them for me. There is a kindness in his touch that I can't explain.

**I must apologize again, as my Internet was just restored again. I have tried to be kind to the repair guys and all the telephone operators I've dealt with. It has been their Thanksgiving week as well. Does it count if I cry from frustration? I am at least trying to be thankful.

A homeless gal that we knew from church has been here several days in the last month. She has been by to help us with some cleaning and actually scrubbed the walls and baseboards in the hallway. Her son is also homeless, living in the local river bottom. On Monday, Rob asked them to join us for Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful meal. Turkey, all the fixing's and pumpkin pie. Tina helped with the things I am unable to do. The boys each took a shower as did their mom. Rob set up cloth bags for each of them with t-shirts, pants, towels, food and a can opener. He added candy and chips, water and soda and paper towel/bath tissue. Our landlord gave each an envelope with 10 $1 bills and Rob gave some cigarettes.

Funny . .. I am filled with deep gratitude for their presence in our home yesterday. I heard laughter and shouts about football. "taste the yams, boys . . .I made them!" Shawn, whose mother hung up on him when he called to wish her happy Thanksgiving, gave me the honor of being his grandma for the day.

I am thankful I have people who love me and who will not walk away or slam the door on me when I am at my worst. I am grateful to know in the deepest part of my heart that the Lord will never leave me nor forsake me.