Today is the day of Thanksgiving. Though I have chosen to make every day a day of giving thanks, it is good to have a reason to stop and take account of my blessings. They are many.

I am sitting safely in a warm and cozy little apartment, sipping my morning coffee in the calming silence of early morning. A candle adds warmth and serenity. My cupboards are full of healthy food. If I run out or discover I need something there are shops all around where i can pick up anything I want. I am warm and well dressed, even as the winter is knocking at my door and demands scarfs and gloves and layer upon layer.

I am strong and well. I can get out of bed, take care of myself, walk to where I want to go, do the work I need to in my daily routine. At the age of 61 and with arthritis I have some aches and limitations, but as I look at the world around me I must say: I am well and strong.

I am thankful for the beauty that surrounds me, in nature, art, architecture, music. My senses are gifts that make me blessed wherever I turn.

My greatest treasure comes last..always save the best for last: the ice cream and the pie, the chocolate with the coffee… The best and most precious thing in my life is my people.

I am so lucky to have a family. I have a kind and faithful husband, two children with kind hearts both making the world around them a better place, I have a faithful son-in-law who takes care of my daughter with all his might, I have the most wonderful two grandsons. I have a large extended family: sisters, brother, cousins of all kinds, who are loving, kind, each in their way making this world richer to have them in it and making me thankful to be related to them. Whether they are near or far, whether I see them often or have only met them for short visits I am thankful they have all made footprints in my heart.

And there are my friends. Beautiful, wonderful, kind people. What a treasure to have and to have had friends. There are more people to be thankful for: the people I meet, see, hear about, whose words of wisdom I read. They all make me rich. I am thankful to be part of the human race and to take this journey on earth with you all. I hope to leave a trace of blessing when I cross your path, just as you all make me richer for having met you.

So today, on Thanksgiving day, I give thanks for you all, for it all. I am truly blessed.

I will remember tomorrow and next week and the month after. This is my life . And although it has had its share of pain and loss here and there, when all is said and done:

It is a wonderful life.

Thank you!