Whoever coined, “Family is Forever” couldn’t have been more right. The very first thing that comes to mind on this initial day of my Gratitude-Spree is just that. I am so unbelievably grateful for my family: whether related by blood, marriage, or just down-right love for one another, you know who you are.

To my intelligent, creative, stunning younger sister: you are so brave, strong, and bring such a brilliant light to my life and all others who are touched by your warm rays of sunshine.

To my charismatic, hilarious, and savvy older brother: I look up to you in more ways than you can imagine, and am so proud of your strength and wisdom expressed during the many trials of life.

To my loving, talented, and cheery older sister: I only hope one day to be as incredible a mother as you are to Tuck, and may you continue to spread your boundless joy to others through your many talents.

To my mom, my best friend, sometimes my momentary enemy, but always a shoulder to lean on: thank you for granting me the gift of grace and compassion, so I may be a better citizen of the world.

To my step-mom, my comfort, my dear friend, and resource for wisdom: thank you for bringing so much joy and bliss back into our family, and especially my dad’s life these past years. You are a true gift.

To my beloved dad, my best man, my hero, my ever-friend: thank you for inspiring me to pursue my dreams, live a full and happy life, leave my worries and sorrows behind, and to take each day as a blessing and gift. You are deeply missed, and a forever-father.

To my Tom: my voice of reason, my rock, my soul. You make each day a thousand suns brighter.

To my friends – each a brilliant star in the universe, you all bring so much love, happiness, and light into my life.

I am grateful for Family.

And with Family, we learn to Hope, and we learn to Forgive.

Hope is what keeps us going at the end of a stressful day of work, where we often feel lost, confused, and frustrated about making some “big man” rich, while we’re just doing it to get by. Hope is what we cling to when we feel like we’ve lost everything. Hope is that comfort we feel when we stare fear right in the face and tell it to “back off!” …. it’s all going to be ok.

Hope is what I am grateful for today. Because even if this wasn’t my best day, I can Hope and I can know that today was MY day. Tomorrow is MY day too 🙂

I am grateful for Hope.

Forgiveness is often hard to come by easy, but a necessary ingredient to a happy life. Forgiveness is about letting go, finding peace within yourself, and ultimately about Love. True, unconditional Love is the key to receiving and granting Forgiveness. Deflate your ego. Abandon your Pride. Forgive, and be Forgiven.

I am grateful for Forgiveness.