Give Thanks

It really has been an enjoyable holiday for me this year. Besides spending my birthday with some of the people that I love most in this world, I also was able to do a few fun things with my close friends. Having my birthday ON Thanksgiving has it's pros and cons. I love just being with my family on this day but all the extra attention is kinda embarrassing. It was a good day all in all.

As I look back on the last 30 years I see what a blessing it has been for me to be an aunt to some really special people. I get a little choked up when I think about how different my life would have been had I not been given the opportunity to know and love 8 very special people. I know at times I have been selfish, self absorbed, judgemental and unfair but through it all I am so grateful that although the Lord didn't see fit to give me siblings close to my age at least he gave me these 8 individuals to help me learn about being a part of a family. The one birthday present I have always wanted these past 30 or so years has been to be with my family on Thanksgiving. I know it is kinda weird to say it but I love watching my nieces and nephews interact with one another. Now that my kids and the great grand kids join the crowd there is nothing that makes me happier than to see them welcomed and loved into the group. I look forward to getting to know Mary Ellen's kids and grand kids and seeing them find their place in the family as well. So this Thanksgiving I am truly grateful for my Jeppson nieces and nephews and the impact that each of them have had on my life. I know I don't always show them how much I care but they each have a special place in my heart and I want more than anything to see them happily find their place in this world. My greatest hope is that a year from now finds us gathered together again closer than ever.