I was going to do the typical ’75 things in 75 days’ things I’m thankful for, but for some reason that was a lot harder for me than I’d expected. I kept thinking of the big things, the things that I didn’t realize were such a gift, the things that I’ve become so much more appreciative for since I’ve been gone, and this year, those are the things I’m really, really thankful for.
I’m thankful for family. I have the BEST family. A family that always eats dinner together, that laughs until we cry, and that LOVES psych. My parents are the type to force traditions even when that’s the last thing my brother and I want to do, and I’m so thankful for that. I’m thankful that every year we pick our own christmas tree, that we spend an afternoon making chocolate covered pretzels, and that we watch the same christmas movies every year. They’re the type to embrace hard conversations because of the growth that’ll come out of it, the type to meet you where you’re at. I’m thankful that they are so supportive and that they really just want the best for me. I’m thankful for the weekend facetimes and that they text me every day even though I’m fasting. Miss u mom & dad.
I’m thankful that my brother is weird and that he loves Jesus. I’m thankful for all the times we yell and punch each other, all love ya know, never thought I’d miss that. I’m thankful that he’s grown so much and that he drives me around sometimes (very rarely but still thankful). I’m thankful that he likes country music now, and he knows how to cook, and now he is a lot more comfortable in his own skin. Also thankful for his girlfriend, miss u Jayme.
I’m thankful that my grandparents are the funnest people to be around. I’m thankful that they are Jesus to everyone they meet, that they love everyone, and that they’re so generous. I’m thankful that the Books have servants hearts, and that grammy is everyone’s grammy. I’m thankful that the Maugers are so supportive and that they strive to know people better. I’m thankful for the 18 years I had with the Fillmans, that they love so well, that they are so true to themselves. I’m thankful for the love they had for the Lord and that they had such a big part in our church. I’m thankful that they are with the Lord right now, and that they’re living their best lives.
I’m thankful for family reunions with all my cousins, that all my cousins are hilarious and so weird and they love each other so well. I’m thankful that we’re a family who loves games and who really loves Shady Maple. I’m thankful for family who lives far away, and for how sweet those reunions are. I’m thankful for all the times I got to see my aunt this past year because of some difficult times, and the influence she has on my family in splurging on kayaks.
I’m thankful for Uncle Donnie, a man of too many puns but who has the most sincere heart. I’m thankful that I see more Jesus in him than I see of him, and I’m thankful that he gets excited for this trip every time I tell him as if it’s the first time he’s heard about it.
I’m thankful for Des, my sister from another mister. I’m thankful that she’s the sister I’ve never had, and she’s the best there is. I’m thankful that we fight like sisters and we laugh like sisters and we steal each others clothes like sisters. I mean, that’s what sisters are for right?? I’m thankful for her family, that they are the closest thing there is to having a second family. I’m thankful that her parents love me so well and that they call me their fourth daughter. I’m thankful that I get to have the most talented younger sister, and the funniest older sister. I’m thankful for another family that I get to be part of.
There’s a lot to be thankful for this year, but I’m extremely thankful that I have people who make being away so hard.
