Thanksgiving

Tomorrow we are off, Lord willing and the snow don't fly, to North Carolina to celebrate Thanksgiving with Dean's brother and sister-in-law and our two nieces. I guess we won't technically be celebrating Thanksgiving since we are actually flying home on Turkey Day, but I am hoping that I still might get my tryptophan fix when we get home (large unavoidable hint, Mom).

I have so many things to be thankful for this year, every year.

I was listening to NPR yesterday and there was a story about child hunger in the United States. There are 17 million children that didn't consistently have enough to eat last year. And of course, the programs that provide them with food, like free hot lunch corn dogs with ketchup, provide them with crap. I wish I could provide them with tilapia and broccoli like I provide my own kids (plus the occasional corn dog). I wish I could provide them with homemade bread. Most of all, I wish I could provide them with the Bread of Life. There aren't statistics about childhood spiritual hunger, but it's just as real, and a lot more prevalent. I'm thankful that I can put good food in my children's mouths. Good physical food and the good food of knowing about Christ.

I am thankful for my husband, too. I'm thankful that he sees the world the same way I do, that he works hard so I don't have to, that his idea of free time is helping transform his silk ties into leashes for Frankie's menagerie of stuffed animals.

I am thankful for friends. Friends to make applesauce with. Friends who have scrubbed my toilets. Even friends who are moving to Kuwait, which make me thankful for Skype and blogs and Facebook and e-mail.

I am thankful that my children are alive and healthy. Last weekend, Dean and Frankie travelled to Wisconsin for the funeral of his uncle. I can think of no greater sorrow than to lose your child and I am thankful every minute of every day that God has spared me that.

I'm thankful that Dean didn't turn around when I asked him to a minute after pulling out of the driveway with Frankie. She had donuts and hot dogs and a pool and Grandma and a chance to pack all the things she thought were necessary for the trip (see photos above), including several pairs of summer shorts, all her toy soldiers, the entire contents of her train set and a stack of books knee high.

I'm thankful that Molly is talking. Even if it is to request suckers and TV and pop.

What are you thankful for?