Life's Reminders

I can't help but watch the news these days and wonder "why?"

Why are we so lucky and others so misfortune?
Why does it feel like those who are already hit hard, always hit even harder?
Why does it take something so big, to make me realize how much I have to be thankful for?

So in honor of this little reminder, I've made a list. Because as you know, I love lists.

1. I'm thankful that I have safe drinking water that runs right to my house, even though I foolishly buy bottled.

2. I'm thankful that I have access to hospitals, doctors and medical care, regardless of the rising co-pay, scary needles and annoying insurance companies.

3. I'm thankful I know where my family and friends are, even if I sometimes forget how important a simple phone call to say hello can be.

4. I'm thankful that I have an education, and as tiresome and as expensive as that little piece of paper was, I'm glad I listened to my Grandfather, because no one can take that away from me.

5. I'm thankful for my job, even if it is causing me to gray prematurely. When it comes down to it...I'm doing what I love and loving what I'm doing.

6. I'm thankful I can sing, dance, shout, whenever and where ever I please. Some people will never be so lucky.

7. I'm thankful today is sunny. I'm thankful I can feel and see the warmth. I'm thankful my world, today, is normal and safe. All I have to do is turn on the tv to realize we are blessed.

8. I'm thankful I have an overabundance of food, even though I hate to cook. I'm sad that I so easily can waste it and not even blink an eye.

9. I'm thankful I can openly believe in a God that I know has watched over me my entire life. I am not thankful for people like Pat Robertson who uses their "influence" to blame innocent people for things they had no control over.

10. I'm thankful for all the people who have helped me get to where I am today. I'm thankful for my mentors, my family, and my friends.