For all the thank you's… a piece of my past

E is out playing with a friend, Hunt is watching the game, B is asleep; the house quiet.  I should be tackling my never ending to do list but I am not.  Today I needed a reminder of who I am in this world; who I was and who I have become.  It is rarely a lighthearted journey but as I am buried under blankets today, the heaviness of the search seemed appropriate.

I have written for as long as I can remember.  There are so many of my writings you will never see in print.  Too many pieces are personal to reveal and I have too little confidence to release them to be reviewed and edited by your eyes.  My collection is now in several 3" binders so I chose one and sat down to read my own work.

Here is one I can share, written on Thanksgiving in 1998 for my parents:

For all the thank you's I never said
For all the times you made my bed
For all the words I said in anger
For the times my clothes were not the floor; not the hangar
For the messes I left for you to clean up
For the times I spilled red Kool Aid from my "big girl" cup
For all the times I stumbled in my "walk"
For the times you listened when I wanted to talk
For the times I got a ticket because of my speed
For the times you offered refuge in my time of need
For the times I made you worry and cry
For all my gifts we really could not afford to buy
For the times you punished me when I had done wrong
For not touching the radio dial during my favorite song
For all the bruises, burns and cuts that your kisses healed
For all the letters sent to my dorm that your love sealed
For the time you bit your tongue while you were screaming inside
For each comfort gave as another romance died
For all the times you have welcomed me home
For all the words of wisdom offered over the phone
For all the silent prayers that followed me out the door
For the times I wanted to quit but you encouraged me to do more
For the times you stood up for me to defend my rights
For the times I kept you up all those nights
For the times you donated money to make my ends meet
For the times you know it bruised my ego so you made it discreet
For the times you gave me space for problems only I could work out
For all the times I nodded while having no idea what you were talking about
For the family you gave me and the memories we made
I owe my life to you and all the love I have saved
We have stood together through the years, some good and some bad
I am eternally grateful that I have you, Mom and Dad
--Wendy 11/98

Here we are, so many years later, and the meaning holds true.  Today, I would add a few lines about helping with the grand kids, celebrating good health, etc, etc.  but I am still eternally grateful for my family and today also, more than ever for my home and its heater.
Be Blessed!