Things that AC CPs are Thankful for This Thanksgiving

When I was little the entire family got together at my great grandparent's house for special occasions like Thanksgiving. Great grandmother asked each one of us to bring a note card with is, on which we had written things we were most thankful for that year. It was a wonderful exercise in family togetherness, love, and humor.

A lot of families have similar traditions. It is a way to remind us that even when life gets us down, we must remember the good things in order to get through. With that thought in mind, I conducted an experiment among family, friends, acquaintances and AC colleagues (who I also consider my family and friends). I asked each of them to answer a single question: "What are you most thankful for this year?"

I knew my daughter's response before I even asked the question. She is thankful for her adorable son and her wonderful husband; for her faith; and for her family.

My four-year-old grandson said he's grateful for mommy, daddy, nana, papa, mimi, his "other papa," his friends, his teddy (a gift from me last Christmas) and Pumpkin (a bear dressed as a pumpkin that I just gave him).

My neighbor is thankful to have her dog still with her. She is all the real family that Judy has left in the world. He was diagnosed with cancer four years ago but treatment and drugs have kept him going strong.

My daughter's best friend is always thankful when her husband returns from one of his many tours of duty; for her three wonderful children; for her family in Texas; and for friends like my daughter.

I am thankful that I didn't lose my husband to his heart attack last Christmas; for my recovery from a bone staph infection and a heart that keeps beating no matter what. I am also thankful that my mother is still with us; for my beloved children and their spouses; my remarkably beautiful grandchildren (the lights of my life); and for my extended family.