I used to be better at documenting Thanksgiving thanks. But like so many facets of life, the annual task slid into thoughts of maybe next year.

Despite the troubling last few years, there is much to give thanks for. So, let’s pick up Thanksgiving Thanks: The 2022 Version.

Thanks for the Idea

First, let me give credit for the idea of documenting our thanks. My good friend and writer buddy, Anne Wayman, started the tradition quite a while back on a blog she had at the time.

Anne set the bar high with a list of 100 (+) reasons she was thankful. My list has never hit that high (although it certainly could as I am truly blessed).

I invite you to add your own Thanksgiving list in Comments. You don’t have to live in the U.S. to share this tradition.

Thankful for Good Health

If the pandemic taught us anything, it is – be thankful for good health. Knocking (very loudly) on wood, Mom and I have managed to avoid COVID and the flu. A pattern we hope to maintain.

My mom’s health – My mom is 99. Her 100^th birthday is in March. I’m sure it’s as surreal for her as it is for me. She has her good days and her bad days (don’t we all?). I am thankful to have my mom still in my life when so many do not. Love you, Mumsy.

My health -This Old Lady Walking just finished my 19^th 3-Day, 60-Mile Walk for the Cure. Every time I have a fleeting though of getting pretty old for this thing, I think of 90-year-old George who has walked more than 25. I am incredibly fortunate to be so healthy. So far, I am still prescription-free!

Family

My biological family – I am so glad we are past (hopefully permanently) the pandemic isolation. My older and younger sisters have visited, as well as two of my four brothers.

We are spread across this country –two brothers in Ohio, one in Florida, and the other in Georgia. My older sister is also in Ohio and the youngest of the family is in southern Idaho. Family is yours forever. And for that, I am thankful.

I am also blessed with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and all their children and grandchildren. And thanks to one of the good things about social media, I share a bit of their lives through postings, photos, and videos.

My 3-Day teammates – my other family – Those of you who know me, know I participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, 60-mile walk. On my first walk in 2003, I met walkers who became the start of our fabulous team. We have 16 walkers (although we don’t all walk every year). And, of course, no one walked (except virtually) in 2020. Another dang COVID effect.

For our 15^th anniversary, I gave each teammate a mug that said, We walked into one another’s hearts. And that’s just what we did. These ladies are such a blessing. I missed seeing them. I love you Pink Tahoe Ladies!

And speaking of the 3-Day – I cannot talk about my 19 years participating in the 3-Day Walk without thanking my generous, supportive contributors. Some of them have been with me from day one and continue to support me both through donations to my fundraising and their encouragement. I am humbled by you all and thank you from the bottom of my well-worn feet to my heart full of gratitude.

Personal Friends

My friend, Judi – Judi was my first boss when I moved to San Diego. But she became so much more. Mentor, friend, family, an important part of my life. I love you, Judi with an ‘i’ and hope we see each other again soon. Wishing you and Joe good health and happiness.

Another longtime friend – I met Linda at the same company where Judi was our boss. We also lived in the same apartment complex that was my first home in San Diego. Linda graciously shares her home when I return to San Diego for the 3-Day Walk. For some reason, Linda decided having breast cancer would solidify our friendship even more. Crazy girl. I am happy to report, Linda is doing well as a breast cancer survivor. Love you and miss you, Linda.

My ex-roomie, Vicky – This lovely lady was one of my first roommates back when we were both a LOT younger. Vicky has such a big heart. From the moment we met, there was a connection. And it only grows more meaningful every day. Love you, Vic.

Oriana, a special friend – Oriana is another friend I have known for more years than I care to think about. Throughout our long friendship, Oriana has never let our connection fade away. She is special to me in so many ways. I love you, Oriana!

Online Friends

My freelance and online buds – If you struggle (especially recently) with finding something good about social media, the reconnections and the new friendships you build are special. I am so thankful to my fellow writers, freelancers, and social media connections who enrich my life every day.

Lori  started as a fellow writer who I am now happy to call my friend. We clicked from day one. Numerous grateful moments. There are so many others, and I’ll share a few here, but know I appreciate each of you. I’ll apologize in advance for those I miss.

Other online friends – I love my Twitter and LinkedIn friends like Nicky, Maryann, Brandi, Jan, Sue Ann, Henneke, Marcie, Mitch, Paula, Devon, Jake, John, Leena, Roy. I know I am missing some. That’s only an indication of my boomer brain and not my heart where you all reside. Thank you.

Facebook friends – There’s a lot to hate about Facebook. But the one unquestionable benefit is the reconnection to family and friends. I value the new friendships of 3-Day participants and my beloved Notre Dame group.

Thanks to Writers Making a Difference

Anti-Racist Writers – I have learned so much in the last two years. Sad that so much hatred exists in this world. As someone of privilege, I must educate myself, and most of that starts with writer friend, Sharon Hurley Hall’s Anti-Racism newsletter. I guarantee it will blow your mind (and hopefully, open your heart).

Sharon has also released a new book, I’m Tired of Racism: True Stories of Existing While Black. You can read my review of it here. I am thankful for Sharon’s incredible courage and unapologetic honesty and for introducing me to so many gifted writers and activists.

Thanks for Simple Pleasures

Our miniature schnauzer, Penny – What joy this little bundle of salt-and-pepper energy brings to my life (and my mom’s). Getting up every morning to a tail-wagging wiggle of happiness and her excitement for walks and play make me smile every day. There’s something to be said for unconditional love.

Calendars – I know, weird, huh? But I love my box calendars. After my dad went crazy over his Peanuts calendar from me many Christmases ago, it became an annual gift. I think of him each morning as I follow his habit of tearing off the top page and reading the Peanuts genius. Sadly, I have been unable to find my Maxine calendar that used to sit on my office desk. Maybe this year.

Comfy socks – These make the list every year. Freelance workers have long known the bliss of comfy socks and no shoes. Recent remote workers are discovering this simple pleasure.

Daily walks – I love when I pull the plug on technology and the hardships of life and appreciate the beauty we often forget to see.

A good night sleep – I do not need my Fitbit to tell me when I had a good night of sleep. But, boy, do I love when that happens. I’ve always said I wish we had a switch that we could turn off at night that pops back on after blissful sleep. Zzzzz…

I’ve gone on long enough. Although I barely scraped the surface of thankfulness.

• To my U.S. friends, Happy Thanksgiving. Please stay safe and well.
• To ALL my friends, also stay safe and well.
• And thank you all for joining me on the thankful train.

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Live…Laugh…Love

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