I used to do my Thankful Five on a more regular basis, but lately it seems like I’ve let a lot of things get in the way of it. I was really reminded after a bad few days how important it was for me to keep track of things that I’m thankful for. So I decided that it was in my best interest if I got back into the habit of blogging about five things I’m thankful for.

• I am thankful for air-conditioning. I dislike the heat. I dislike humidity. When they are combined together I extremely dislike them.
  
• I am thankful that my financial aid for school worked out as well as it did.
  
• I am thankful for cool summer breeze after a hot summer day.
  
• I am thankful for silence.
  
• I am thankful for love.
  

Taking the time to keep track of the things I am thankful for has been such a good reminder of how much I am blessed. I challenge you to keep track of the things that you are thankful for.

1. I am thankful for the many thoughts and prayers people have had for my mother and me.
2. I am thankful for the many tears I have shed and the laughter I have experienced when I have thought of my dad.
3. I am thankful friends and family who have more rational minds than I do.
4. I am thankful for being alive. Even though I am really sad, and I miss dad a great deal, I am still very thankful I am alive.
5. I am thankful for the sounds of the birds chirping, and the woodpecker beating his head on a tree.

I like to take the time to acknowledge at least some of the things I am thankful for. It is something I find beneficial to helping me retain a positive outlook. It also helps make me aware of the little things in life that I am thankful for.

I have been so busy the last few weeks that I forgot to do my weekly Thankful post. I usually make a list of five things I am thankful for, with a brief description of why I am thankful for them. The other day I saw an interesting idea on my friend Margaret’s blog. She wrote a few short letters to specific people, letting them know why she was thankful for them. You can see it here Thank You . I decided to borrow her idea for this week’s Thankful Five.

Dear Mom,

Thank you for being my best supporter, and cheerleader for the last few years. I do not think you know how much your support has meant to me. You are one of the reasons I am doing as well as I am. You inspire me, and challenge me to live the best I can each, and every day. Thank you for your generosity. You make me feel loved.

Love,

Melissa

Dear Dad,

Thank you for your love, and generosity. Thank you for the laughter, and support. Thank you for the respect, and kind words you give me. I have really enjoyed getting to know you better. I enjoy our relationship. Thank you for always giving me a soft place to fall.

Love,

Melissa

Dear Terri,

Even though we have not known each other all that long, I want you to know how much a value our friendship. Thank you for being such a good friend to me. You have given me a shoulder to cry on, someone to laugh with, and someone to share my joys, and sorrows with. It has been a long time since I had a friend in real life that I felt so comfortable around.

Love,

Melissa

Margaret,

Thank you so much for your constant support, kind words, and friendship. You inspire me daily. Your continued struggles with your own health issues – especially given how young you are – are awe inspiring. You are such a kind, warm, and loving person. I know that God placed you in my life for many reasons. I hope that I can meet you in real life one of these days.

Love,

Melissa

Dear Chrissie, and Susan,

Thank you so much for your forgiveness, and acceptance. I have missed having you in my life. It means so much to me that even after such a long absence you two are so supportive, and loving.

Love,

Melissa