Thanksgiving and gratitude ...

[Getupngo]

Although every holiday I still miss my late DH, I still am thankful for many good things in my life. In addition to the usual gratitude for my current good health and for my loving family, I am also greatly aware of how well my sweet DH continues to care for me, even though he is gone.

My DH's untimely death allowed me to retire and buy my "starter" and then current RV. My RV has given me (and my two yappy dogs) the freedom to set out on my own and create a life woven from my own dreams of travel and adventure. My time in the RV has been healing. I'm grateful that it allows me to live a Neopolitan (like the ice cream) life -- grief, adventure, joy and, of course, chocolate! -- side by side, each in its own time. And sometimes all in the same spoonful.

I am grateful as well for helpful and loving friends I have found here on this forum. When I have problems with my rig -- heck, with my LIFE! -- several of you always step forward and tell me how you have solved similar problems.

In turn, as I gained experience RVing (and living ... ) I have been able to help others here.

Having said all that ... I would like to hear from you about what you are grateful for.

Oh, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

[Sparkle]

I read recently that one of the reasons for getting married is that the other person is a "witness to your life". When that person is gone we need something to replace that. Posting on the Forum is part of that. When we share our adventures, big or small, good or bad, the Forum members are witnesses to our lives. Tioga George said something much on the same lines when he said it wasn't until he started his blog that his life had purpose again. So I'm thankful for all of you.

[Bethers]

I've always thought Thanksgiving the best of the "holidays" in that it isn't about gifts - and I always spent time thinking about the things and people and factors that make me thankful.

Sparkle and I had a long discussion about what she said in her post before mine - and I have to say there is one gentleman friend of mine that I have to say for the past several years I've been most thankful for. His friendship allowed me to follow my dreams. He, although many miles from me, watched me "think" about traveling and buying an rv, to supporting my decision to do so, then supporting my decision to QUIT my job and my safety and security - and go for it fulltime. My first year out, I don't know if I would have enjoyed it so much, had I not had that person who was following me step-by-step and telling me when things went wrong that I could do it - still from long distance.

This year, when I wallowed in self-pity for awhile - it was after he told me that he had a lady in his life. There was a part of me who always felt that if there was a lady in his life it should (or would eventually) be me. But more than that, I felt like my lifeline was taken from under me - even though our friendship was not/is not ending. So, I need to say here - that I have such gratitude and love for this man who listened to my dreams, and gave me the wings I needed to live them. I hope that my friendship has given him even an iota of what he's given me. And this Thanksgiving, he's at the top of my "thanks" list while I also ask that he gets everything he dreams of, including the hope that this relationship of his flourishes and gives him someone to share his dreams with.

That said - the other thing that has helped me travel and want to keep traveling - are all of you. This forum is wonderful - I've made such good friends, some who I've been lucky to meet, others I feel as though I've known forever but haven't YET met - and you are part of my extended family. We don't always agree (and what family does?) but we all care about each other and actually, strange as it may seem, take care of each other here. I hope we can always continue to do so - as our family continues to grow and grow. And yes, we do share our dreams and support each other in them and lets keep doing that, too.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[Echo]

I have to say that I'm really shocked at this getting 2 responses so far and that mine will make a grand total of 3. What's up with that??? I know that plenty of you are thankful for many, many things.

For my part? I have thought of this question ever since it was posted. To tell you the truth I wasn't quiet sure how to answer it. There are so many things that I'm thankful for that I don't have the slightest idea of where to start and NO ONE wants to read a list that would take hours!!!

I'm Thankful that I woke up this morning and that I had the muscle and ability to get out of bed.
I'm Thankful for my 2 kids whom I love with all my heart and who love me.
I'm Thankful for Shade who never fails to bring a smile to my face, warmth to my heart and great joy.
I'm Thankful that I am able to put a roof over my head by my ability to work.
I'm Thankful that I have friends. Reality ones and virtual ones. Some times it's hard to tell them apart.
I'm Thankful that I have a spiritual part to my life that brings me peace and calm.
I'm Thankful that I can honestly say that I like who I am.
I'm Thankful for the regrets that I have as without them I wouldn't have known the joys.

I could go on and on. But I think ya'll can understand what I'm getting at.

I am Thankful that I am living my life..........With all the sorrows and joys that come with it..........It has made me who I am.

[mitch5252]

Happy Thanksgiving, ladies!

I am thankful for a God who loves me and forgives me every single time I screw up, and who has blessed me with the most wonderful husband you could ever imagine.

I am thankful that I was born in America and for the men and women stationed all over the world, away from their loved ones, who struggle daily to keep the rest of us safe from the evils in the world.

I am thankful for my friends, who love me in spite of myself and continue to see the good in me that sometimes I can't see.

I am thankful for the 35+ years I got to share with my best friend.

I am thankful for the bounty God has given me throughout my life and the wisdom to realize (most of the time) just how blessed I am - I have never gone to bed hungry or cold or unloved.

I am thankful I found this forum and all the wonderful ladies who participate in it.

I am thankful for The Dufus, who makes me smile almost every single day.


What a great way to start this Thanksgiving Day 2009!!

Now, let's get ready to eat...




..

[Redetotry]

I'm thankful for my friends and family both real life and virtual. Come to think of it I spend time with y'all every day! I've always counted friends as ones greatest blessings.
I have been thinking the last few days how I love keeping in contact with people I've known for a very long time and Sparkles observation about having a 'witness to your life' gave my thought more clarity. This week one of my dear long time friends became a grandmother for the first time and even though I haven't seen her daughter in some time I had such a good time remembering when the daughter was born and how we kept her sister while my friend was in the hospital.

Happy Thanksgiving to all where ever you are we are together in spirit.

[pattyk]

I am thankful for so much in my life, especially for having 46 years with my late husband and for my 3 sons.

I am thankful that 2 of my sons have given me such great grandchildren and one great grandson.

I am thankful for a mother who taught me what travelling was all about. I blame her for my wanderlust.

I am thankful for all my RVing friends both vertual and real. Without them I don't know if I could do what I have been doing.

I am thankful for having retired. I love it.

I am thankful for Sammie. She is the perfect friend. Never questions what I do or don't do.

I am thankful for so much it's hard to put it all down.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I will be spending the day with some RV friends at a nearby campground. I have too much going on this weekend to camp with them. My Soroptimist club decorates the parking meters in Nevada City on Sunday.

[snowball]

Happy Thanksgiving one and all!!!
You all have voiced so nicely those things that many of
us have and are thankful for
I would add to the mix how thankful I am for the advances in
medicine it helps so much to know that we can beat many of
the diagnoses of the day. In our case prostrate cancer. and My
sister in law just a couple of years ago battled breast cancer and won
So I[m very great full for those men and women who listen to that that
is 'revealed' to them
sheila

[rvgrammy1953]

I'm very late with this, but wanted to say that I'm so thankful for many things this year....One the the things I'm MOST Thankful for are all my loving and caring sisters here who supported me and sent their love via posting here and all the beautiful cards sent to me last month when I really needed them....Reading your posts and cards gave me the strength to support my family during our time of loss.....I wish I could give everyone of you a special ((((HUG))))....
You all are the best....

Much Love,
Lori

[Excel]

I know I'm a day (at least) late...but after reading the other posts, I thought it'd be okay to just add a few things I am grateful for...maybe you'll agree...
I'm thankful that as I wake each new day I am still healthy...my mind still works...& God has given another beautiful morning to me. I can take my coffee, sit outside & enjoy the beauty of this world He has given us. I'm grateful that I have shelter, food, & a few luxuries that make my everyday life a little easier. However, what I DO KNOW is that the above things are very important to all of us, what is most important is the people in our lives, whether they be family, friends, or just acquaintances...We all need that human touch, whether it be physically touching or through a media like this...where we can share our feelings, our experiences and our thoughts...so being as I'm not very good with words, I just want to add my thanks to all of you that take the time to post, to share & to take us to places we may never get the opportunity to go, with your pictures & comments. I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.....

[snowball]

know what exel? you wrote that very well
sheila

[Bethers]

so being as I'm not very good with words, I just want to add my thanks to all of you that take the time to post, to share & to take us to places we may never get the opportunity to go, with your pictures & comments. I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.....

I'd say you are excellent with words. Very well said - thank you.

[AlmostThere]

Here, here, Excel!!

[JanetA]

What everyone posted was the most heartfelt stuff to me and I ditto all that you all wrote. I didn't get to get on during the holidays as I was @ my daughter's... but I thought of you all and all the way up to Lubbock I checked out every RV that I met along the road,, still dreaming in my mind of the kind I might end up with. I may NEVER be able to have it happen w/ me but, I still dream,, thanks to all of you and your posts, and advice and encouragement. I don't know what the future holds for me and my folks, or how much money I will end up with. That , in itself, will dictate whether or not I am able to live my dream. So many unknowns and indecideds. Whether to sell one place, or both places or keep one or not sell either,, such a decision, that I won't be able to make till who knows when. ANyway.. I will continue to keep in touch and live vicariously thru all you gals and enjoy your pics and posts another year and counting.

love you all and safe travels too!

Janet

[Getupngo]

Janet, I can relate to your indecision -- to sell or not to sell, what to do. I lived in what
I called "the land of 'I don't know'" for a long time, and it's okay. Better a well-pondered
decision than one to regret.

Having said that, I jumped into my first RV waaaay too quickly. So think about what
you really want and look for it. When it's time, it will just appear on the horizon.