Thankful on Thursday

Alright. Its been a hard couple of days with the return to work. Its probably more important than ever for me to do this post. So here we go. I'm thankful for (in no particular order):

-Andrew, Mom and Dad. Just....thanks. For all you do. Every single day. I know it ain't always fun to be my closest confidants.

-Melissa. My goodness, how would I go through all of this without you? I don't know, but I'm so glad I don't have to find out. Thanks for sticking with me, even when I know I'm full of complaints. I'm sending snowballs YOUR way.

-KP. And wine. In combination. Best time I've ever had "celebrating" tragic events. I guess I should also be thankful we didn't decide that we needed more than two bottles.

-Shannon. We haven't really been friends for long, but there have been days where your emails have really helped me through. And EVERY day the pictures of your little boy make me smile and remember why I would want to risk going through all this pain again.

-Everyone at school that has helped to make my coming back easier. If you've offered to help out, watch my class or take a "fun" student of mine off my hands since I've been back, THANK YOU. Also, 2nd grade team, you rock. There's simply no better way to say it. Thanks for keeping my class running while I was gone, and keeping me going as I get used to being back.

-Shelly. Thanks for being my favorite "flatty." (That's British for roommate, for those of you who have your minds in the gutter.) We're going to follow our plan soon. Tuesday AND Thursday. ....soon.

-Ben. Thanks for all the thoughtful gifts for Andrew and I lately. And being our bartender. And generally being a great source of entertainment and fun in our lives.

-Everyone who has written me lately that I haven't had a chance to write back to. Your cards, emails, and facebook messages have meant so much to me. If you wrote with a concern that "we haven't talked in awhile" please don't fret. I love hearing from you. I'm so thankful for you.

-Prayers and positive thoughts. Even if all you know about what's going on with me right now is what you read on this blog, you sending all of this love in my direction is such a comfort to me. This week there was a scare that I might have to have more tests and/or procedures done...and the great news is that I think everything is a-okay and that won't be the case. I have to believe that your thoughts and prayers have something to do with that. Thank you. I didn't know how I'd handle it if I had to go back to the hospital right now.

-Chestnut. He's making me laugh as I write this. So thankful. Seriously, you should see this dog throw things to himself and pounce at them. Its funny. I don't care who you are. That's funny right there. (Anyone get the reference, anyone?!)

-Ashley Chell(epugh). I'm thankful I got to talk to you today. I'm also thankful that Jacob was whining in the background. Again, what a great reminder of what I'm still looking toward. Someday you're going to call me and my house will be filled with the sounds of whining over chocolate syrup. And you can laugh and tell me my kid is cute, even when it may not be what I really want to hear.

-Friday. Always be thankful for Friday.

-And just one last one....do you remember the bone that Chestnut was having a stroke over the other day? He was like that dog in the Travlers insurance commercial looking for a safe place to put it? (Thanks KP for that connection.) He's eating it. Right now. No more finding a good spot. It's disappearing. As. We. Speak. THANKFUL.