A Life of Thankful

Many years ago I began having a different view on life and part of that was always having an attitude of gratitude. I stopped taking the beauty in my life for granted and chose to make the best of every situation. At times I would find myself slipping back into my old ways however would quickly notice that I didn't feel "well" inside when this would happen.

A little over two weeks ago a tragedy took place in Las Vegas where many loss their lives. I am not going to stand on my soap box regarding the incident or the causes however I am going to take a minute to point out how Thankful I am.

We have family in Las Vegas and our brother in law is a police office in Las Vegas. I am guilty of spending most of my years avoiding the dangers that he has to face in his profession every day. It is easy to avoid and be ignorant to these risks when you aren't the one seeing them off every day and waiting for them to come home or praying the phone doesn't ring during their shift.

I am very thankful for all those who serve our country in all the different forms. Without each of these people we wouldn't have the life we do. So, if I have never publicly said it before "Thank you!"

It was that morning two weeks ago when we were unable to make contact with our family in Las Vegas that we sat quietly not uttering the wave of reality and fears that covered over us. Each minute felt like hours and hours felt like days. But one thing that it did force was my realization that avoiding reality of situations wasn't healthy in the least and though I don't want to be ruled by fear I needed to find a happy medium.

So, here I am, my happy medium is by acknowledging that it exists. Continuing to live a life of gratitude and remembering to be thankful for the little things. Also that telling people around you that you are thankful for them. Who doesn't like to hear "Thank You", right? To be appreciated and acknowledged is just a little something we can all do.

To my brother in-law who I am so very proud of each and every day, to my sister in law who shows great courage and strength supporting her husband and family and to all of those men and women out there who I don't know, thank you for being you, thank you for being the face of strength and unity!

Thank you!