Gratitude Journal

I ranted about things that get on my nerves yesterday (sorry to be so negative), so today, I'll concentrate on positive subjects...in no particular order.

I'm grateful for the wonderful people in my life. Seven years ago, I decided that there was no room in my life anymore for "toxic people". If you aren't familiar with that term, here's something that will help from Oprah.com. I hate to give Oprah any more publicity, but I couldn't find this described as well anywhere else.

There are many, many truly wonderful people in my life. I believe that, if you admire something about a person, you should tell them. So, I would like to say a few things about a few people in my life. It might be something they've taught me, something I admire about them, etc. Please don't feel left out if I don't mention you....there are simply too many people and too many good things to say for one post. I won't say anything about Jon, because he would probably be embarrassed by it...let's just say that he is a wonderful husband and leave it at that. And I won't say anything about Savy, because I can't even put into words how absolutely amazing she is.

I'll start with my family. I won't say too much, because (for the most part) my family knows how I feel about them....and it would make my mom and grandmother cry if I got too mushy.

My mom is strong and capable. She can do anything and do it better than anyone else... except, it seems, driving in downtown Memphis (that's like her kryptonite). She's very intelligent and very stubborn, and that makes for a pretty formidable person. I grew up knowing that, like my mom, there was nothing I couldn't do if I just put forth the effort.

Nanny is giving. Although my mom had to work to support us, my grandparents owned their own business for most of my childhood...so I was able to stay with them while Mom worked and never had to go to daycare. I can't remember a time that I ever needed or wanted my grandmother's attention that she wasn't right there to give it.

Lee Ottis (my grandfather) is steadfast. With a father like mine, I could have easily wound up with serious trust issues. Lee Ottis has always been there for me whenever I needed anything. He has never let me down....ever.

Ok, that was my family. Now for a couple of friends.

Krista, my best friend, is loyal. She doesn't let just anyone into her life...you have to prove yourself deserving before you get a place in her heart. But once you're there, you have a friend til the end. Seven years ago, she stood by me through one of the hardest times of my life...I don't know what I would've done without her. She knows practically everything about me and has never judged me. She's always been right there when I needed her...and backed off a little when I just needed to be alone. She knows when to give advice, and she knows when to be quiet and just listen....something I probably need to work on being able to do. Sometimes I've wondered if she can read my mind.

Wow, this is turning out to be a long post. Ok, last one for now....the person who talked me into starting this blog...Jennifer! Jennifer is kind and compassionate. When we worked at Parkwood, I was just in awe of the way she could put people at ease and make them feel important. When you are with her, she makes you feel like there is nowhere else she'd rather be at that moment than right there with you. I've never met a person who didn't like her, and I've never known her to be unkind to anyone. She's just one of those people that you love to be around...who always makes you feel good about yourself.

Whew....I'm tired after all that typing. Just one more thing, though, that I have to say I'm grateful for. I'm so, so grateful for my job. I am so blessed to have a job that allows me to stay home with Savy, yet still work as a nurse and interact with patients (even if it is just over the phone).

Ok, that's it folks! See how much better you feel after reading something positive?