While the last 11 - 12 years have been filled with ups, and some major downs - most of these self inflicted - life more recently, especially these last four years (not so coincidentally, the same amount of time that I've been sober) has been filled with things to be thankful for. To wit:
Lower back, which was spasming as I attempted to get out of bed, and extremely sore thigh muscles - another result of yesterday's exertions - soaking in an Epsom salt laced whirlpool bath, while drinking a tall glass of cold water, with direct sunlight falling on my face; free-lance work lined up for four of the next five days, and only two more of them outdoors; finances in decent shape, despite enjoying an ample enough amount of time off, including two long and two mini vacations; most Christmas preparations taken care of, excepting two additional presents of gift cards for my twin 22 year old daughters, which I still have time to pick up; enough firewood remaining for a dozen or more nights in front of the wood stove; freshly laundered clothes, hung in my closet and packed away in my dresser drawers, by a good woman who loves me for what I am, and for what I am not; a woman I'm very fortunate to have in my life now - even though our paths have been crossing for 44 years.
May this holiday season be filled with joy, and also thanks - for all that you may have to be thankful for.
