(...in no particular order).
1. My life (in general)
2. My health
3. My husband and two sweet, beautiful, healthy children
4. My dog (and the sweet memories of my others)
5. Our cozy, beautiful home
6. I still have my parents and my kids still have all their grandparents
7. My family is safe and we are together
8. I get to tuck my kids in every night and kiss and hug them every morning
9. John has a job and we have health insurance
10. We can afford to have me stay home with the kids
11. We can afford good, healthy, quality food
12. I have learned how to cook
13. Our cars are paid for
14. We have cardinals, blue jays, and hummingbirds in our yard
15. We have great neighbors
16. We know wonderful farmers who carefully and lovingly produce our food
17. We got a garden spot at Dowling (and now there's a waiting list 150 names long)
18. I have great friends
19. I have lots and lots and lots of wonderful memories from the last 39 years
20. My kids are strong and curious and thoughtful and bright
21. I am surrounded by many beautiful and meaningful things
22. I have the gift of optimism
23. I am strong and resourceful
24. I have a lot of experience and many, many skills
25. I love to learn
26. I love to mentor
27. I am surrounded by grass and flowers and trees and gardens
28. I can hear crickets through the open window
29. I have a special spot in the yard where I love to sit and read
30. I get at least a little time for me almost every day
31. I can find support when I need it
32. I am surrounded by books that I love
33. We live just a few short blocks from the river
34. We have comfortable beds to sleep in every night
35. When I lie in bed and look out the window all I can see are trees and sky
36. I found the courage to cut most of my hair off and I love it
37. I have options and am free to make my own choices
38. I have the job I've always wanted--being a stay-at-home mom
39. I will likely have at LEAST another 39 years (and hopefully many more) to have wonderful experiences, meaningful relationships, and many more precious memories
