What I’m Thankful For This Year

Happy Thanksgiving folks! This Thanksgiving is a little different than Thanksgivings in the past as it’s the first without my mom. However, there are a lot of things that I do have to be thankful for this year. Here is what they are:

• My mom: 

Okay so this one is a weird one, because my mom passed away in February. However, I am thankful for all of the good memories that we did get to share together. I am also grateful for the fact that as a single mom, she always made sure that I had lights, heat and running water. She also made sure that I had a working car and that I graduated college without the burden of student loans — something that I am still grateful for today. Although it’s the first Thanksgiving without her, I still remember all of the good memories of her.

• My Boyfriend: 

Going through the stages of grief is definitely one that’s not easy and is isolating. It is also overwhelming and sends me on an emotional rollercoaster everyday. I am going to be honest, it’s not something that many people would want to stand by me.

What I am even more grateful for is all that he does for me and Lucy. He has been so helpful with taking care of Lucy during the day by walking her, and taking her out. He also helps me with errands, and makes sure that if I need support or someone to talk to, I get it. I don’t like to swoon, but I think that I am a pretty lucky girl to have him in my life.

• Lucy:

A little over two months ago, I adopted a crazy little beagle/Jack Russell Terrier mix named Lucy. In the past two months, she has definitely become my best pal. When I lost my dog Maggie last year, I never thought that I would get another dog. That became true when my mom died.

As a dog lover, not having a dog was hard on me. Getting Lucy was one of the best things that ever happened to me because she helps me feel less lonely and she always manages to make me feel loved. I know that I rescued her, but in our situation, it’s a who rescued who kind of situation.

• Friends:

This year, I have figured out who my true friends are, and am so thankful for the endless support that I have received since my mother’s death. I got the opportunity to reconnect with several old friends and strengthened some. I got to see a lot of my friends for both Friendsgiving, as well as my 25th birthday — something that I’m really grateful for.

• Family:

This year, I’ve needed the support of my family more than ever. I was lucky to strengthen and reconnect with many of my family members at the time of my mother’s death. This makes me feel grateful, because I know I have people to turn to in my time of need.

• Books:

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to have as many books as I have at my disposal. Reading has become something that helps me destress during long days, and to learn something new. Furthermore, reading is something that changed my life because it gives me the skills to grow into a stronger person thanks to the many self help books that I read this year.

What are you thankful for? Please let me know in the comments below.