Giving Thanks Everyday ……….

Give Thanks, Not Just Today, But Everyday!

As most of you Baby Boomers, I too, have so much to be thankful.

I am thankful that I was raised by parents who held themselves, and their children, to a higher standard.  They taught my siblings and I how to live  truthful and productive lives.  From them we learned what a strong work ethic looks like and why it was important to give one hundred percent to whatever it is that you do in life.

I was raised by a United States Marine who had been to combat on Okinawa  and never fully recovered from that experience.  He still managed to teach his children the critical lessons in life that we need.  I learned about the importance of integrity from him.  He taught all of us about consequences.  For my Dad, I will always be thankful.

My Dad.
My Dad.

I was raised by a Mother who, around age 40, decided to go to college to get a degree in Library Science.  She did just that.  She went on to get her Masters as well.   I don’t really remember what year she graduated but Mom must have been around age 50.   She did all of this while working at the Fort Wayne Public library full-time and with six children still at home.

Ohhhhhh ……… Did I mention that my Mom was deaf?

If that isn’t a sampling of determination and perseverance, I’m not sure what would qualify!  For my Mom, I will always be thankful.

My Mom.
My Mom.

 

 

 

 

 

As you know from earlier posts, I am the youngest of eight children.  How lucky did I get?  I’ll tell you ………..

I always joke about being the smartest one of my siblings, as I grew up watching all seven of them make mistakes and from that, I learned what not to do!  Of course this is not true.  In reality, I had the good fortune and privilege of witnessing first hand the exemplary example my older brothers and sisters set for me.  All seven of them.  They are all an inspiration and  I am so thankful for the time, energy and compassion they have shown me.

My siblings and I.
My siblings and I many years ago.

I am Mother to two daughters and Step Mother to two more.  All four of these young women are strong, determined, intelligent and lead fruitful lives.  They are all gainfully employed, healthy and content.  What else can you ask for your children?  For them, I am thankful.

Poo and I with his two daughters and one of their boyfriends.
Poo and I with his daughters and a boyfriend.

 

 

 

 

More kids…..

Me and my two daughters.
Me and my two daughters.

I have a true partner in the man I married.  He is the hardest working man I have ever met.  Besides calling him “Poo,” (a nickname he got stuck with early in our relationship), I have also referred to him as “The Energizer Bunny.”  He always puts me first, treats me with the utmost respect and doesn’t just “talk the talk” but, “walks the walk.”   For my husband, I am so very thankful.

Poo and I.
Poo and I while on vacation last month.

I have been fortunate to own a business in a profession that has been my passion.  It’s a wonderful thing to love what you do for a living.  I can’t imagine going to work everyday to a job where purpose is not part of the equation.   It has allowed me to support my family, as well as others over the past thirty years.  I am thankful for a meaningful job.

My desk in the lab.
My desk in the lab.

I am healthy, happy and have many budding interests with a little extra time to pursue them.   I also feel blessed to share good times with great friends.  I am thankful for them.  

Poo and I with friends.
Poo and I with friends.

 

“There is always something to be thankful for.”

xoxo, Katy