Thanksgiving Weekend in the Land of the Maple Leaf

At every dinner this weekend, someone will say something about counting our blessings and being grateful. So, in anticipation, here are my blessings:

1) My daughter. My smart, loving, healthy, sweet daughter.
2) My husband. My caring, helpful, loving husband.
3) My extended family, with all their foibles. They're near, they're dear, and they would give their lives for us if necessary.
4) Old friends - the ones whose friendships are measured in decades.
4) New friends - brought together by common interests, both near and far. I can be myself with you, and I know how rare a gift that is.
5) A job where I can make a difference in the world every single day, even though it doesn't always feel that way.
6) The material and financial security we enjoy. In particular, this house.
7) A mind, and the ability and desire to use it to benefit others and myself.
8) Good health.
9) Faith in a loving God.
10) A church community that is supportive and has been a part of my family for more than a century.
11) Music, and the ability to make and enjoy it.
12) Good books, and the willingness to absorb new ideas and knowledge from them.

There are many more. Each of these, of course, has branches, so this simple list of twelve actually represents hundreds of people and things.

To my friends and family, thank you. I don't say it enough, but I appreciate all your support.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.