Gratitude: U.S. Veterans

 

Leading up to every Veterans Day, I take time to contemplate the blessings I have because of the sacrifices of the American troops, past and present. What luxury we are able to enjoy because of these brave people. Upholding the U.S. Constitution and serving fellow citizens are things that can be easily taken for granted if we forget to recognize how needed it all is. Freedom does not just happen without action and support, so I am very thankful this day for everyone who has served the United States of America in any branch of the Armed Forces. I would like to add one shoutout to my brother who is a combat veteran. I am always in great awe at how he pushed through to do his duty to the oath he took as a U.S. soldier. So proud. So thankful. 

Gratitude: Snow

 

It has snowed a couple of times so far this season but not really anything to speak of, just flurries here and there. And I am not sure why snow came to mind just now, but I really am thankful for it. I love how snow transforms the landscape of everywhere it touches. It is amazing to me. I grew up going to visit snow once a year when my parents would trek us up to the nearby mountains, and it was magical to me, so now whenever it snows, I think of them. Snow reminds me of how they took time to help my brothers and me have experiences with snow despite living in Las Vegas. Sledding on wooden Radio Flyer metal-railed sleds is peak childhood winter for me, and I just love to think of it. I am also thankful for the water that mountain snowpack provides to the entire area, and every time it snows, I thank God for it all—the beauty, the reminders, the life-sustaining water. 

Gratitude: Nerd Lunch

 

I do this thing called Nerd Lunch with my Creative Writing class every fall semester, and I just love it so much. When I was first developing the curriculum for my Creative Writing program, I spent (way too much) time brainstorming ways to give the students as real world of an experience as possible. I got to thinking about what published and aspiring authors do, and I recalled how helpful the write nights had been for me when I would go. With it being a school assignment, it would not be easy to plan a night thing since no one else would be at the school, but I just had to find a way to make this work. I got thinking and thinking, and then it came to me—Nerd Lunch—an author write night but in the afternoon at the school with a snacky potluck. I even had a logo designed for it and stickers made that I give to the students who attend, and every year, I am astounded by how much fun my Creative Writing students have working, snacking, and helping each other. It is glorious, and I am so thankful that I am able to do this fun tradition for students to look forward to each fall. 

Gratitude: Shoes

 

I am thankful for shoes. Lately, I have not been able to wear the type of shoes I normally would like, but it is a small problem to have in the grand scheme of things. I am blessed with enough and to spare for showing up to work looking professional, completing nice looking outfits for church and going out, and being able to care for my feet. What a wonderful blessing to have this comfort and protection for such an important part of my body! 

Gratitude: My Family

 

I write about being thankful for my family every year, but I maintain that I am indeed thankful for them. I find purpose in serving them, my children, my brothers and their families, and any extended family I get a chance to help out from time to time. Also, having the chance to love them all feels like a privilege and even a miracle how God has put us all into families to help each other. My children are all growing up and finding their own lives, and that keeps me finding ways to keep us connected. And I am thankful for the effort they make to come together when we can make it happen. 

Some days, I am wracked with feeling like I have failed at being a good sister, mother, aunt, etc., but I honestly strive to show everyone how dear they all are to me, and I hope that will be enough when all is said and done. I would be lost without them.