What I'm thankful for

It's a dark, rainy morning here in Seattle and, of course, on this day, I am thinking about what I have to be thankful for.

My mom. She's gone now (two years last month), but her memory stays with me. I will always feel blessed to have such a caring, loving, and funny woman in my life. She always put family first and always made me feel like what happened to me was more important to her than anything.

My son. Smart, handsome, and full of love and compassion, he makes me really proud. Anything else I have done in this life, anything I have created, pales in comparison when I look at him.

My partner. Seven years ago we met and a spark ignited and that has grown into something rare and wonderful: family.

My sisters. I always tell people the kids in my family are all only children because we are so far apart in age (Susan is eight years older and Melissa is eleven years younger), but we are all that's left now of our immediate family. They have always been there for me.

The rest of my family. The older I get, the more I realize how precious these bonds of time and blood are.

My friends. I won't single anyone out, but I think the true ones know who you are and know how much I love you...for being my "chosen" family.

My dog. My little Boston, Lily, packs more joy and devotion into twenty pounds than I could ever hope to find anywhere else.

My creativity. It's been my pride, my curse, my sanctuary and refuge. I am grateful I am able to create people and worlds where I can create order out of chaos and write stories that make me laugh, cry, tremble, and more. It's truly a weird gift and, without it, I truly believe I'd be sitting in a tiny padded room right now.

Seriously.

What are you thankful for?