Giving Thanks

Thursday, November 25, 2010

As Thanksgiving day winds to a close, I can't help but be remind that 2010 will soon be coming to an end as well.  Although there have been lots of highs and lows over the past year, I do realize how truly blessed I am.  I know that I spend too much time complaining about what I don't have, or wishing that I had someone else's life.  Thinking that everyone else has it better than I do.  But because today is a day for giving thanks for the things we have, I have thought about things a little differently.  There are so many people out there who have things worse than I do.  The people who, because of circumstances beyond their control, cannot support themselves or their families, the people serving this country so selflessly and their families, sitting home this Thanksgiving, praying their loved one comes home safe, or the people who have to make the hardest decision and say good-bye to a dear friend.  All in all I'm pretty lucky, and it shouldn't take all year for me to realize that. 

I have an amazingly supportive family.  They stand by me and my choices, no matter what their personal feelings on them might be.  They put up with my horsey obsession, something I know drives my mother bonkers.  And they have always been there for me no matter what.  Mom, Dad, Aunt Sandy and Uncle Ralph, thank you for always supporting me.  I love you guys more than you can know.

I have a best friend who knows me better than I know myself.  And even though she lives 750 miles away right now, she is till the person I call when I need someone to talk to, need to vent or just need to know someone is there.  Someday I know that we will get to reside in the same area (or at least the same state again) but until then, I am still so grateful that I get to see her the couple times a year that she is home.

I have a BO/trainer who takes the best care of my pony, I know that there are no better hands for him to be in when I can't be there to take care of him myself.  She has taught me so much about horses, riding and general life lessons.  She also let me ride her horses, giving up the rides herself so that I can have the opportunity to learn. 

I have the best ponies that I could ever hope to ride.  X-Tra loves me unconditionally (as long as I keep the food coming!)  He is always there to soak up my tears, and listen to all my ups and downs.  And although he challenges me under saddle more often than not, he also knows when I just need to sit on the back of my pony, and he gives me that quite ride.  Kaye is my other half, my partner, my baby girl and one of my best friends.  She challenges me when she knows I can handle it and she takes care of me when I need it.  She has taught me how to ride, and she has taught me how to get over my fears and build up my confidence.  I am so thankful that I have had one more year with Miss.  We almost lost her last year and I know that at 22 she doesn't have a lot of years ahead of her.  And because of that I cherish everyday I have with her. 

I have friends who are kind enough to share their horses with me.  I have so much fun in the summers playing around with the little western pony.  It's a relaxing change for me, the shows are so much more laid back and I have met some really great people through them.

I have met wonderful people through the blogging community.  Although I have never met any other people, or their horses, I feel as though I have known them for years.  I have lived through their ups and downs, celebrated the wins, and cried over the heartaches. 

I have a roof over my head.  I have food in my belly.  And I have a job that (mostly) pays the bills.  Although it is not a place I am happy at right now, I am grateful that I have a job.  In this economy not everyone can say that. 

Although I still don't have an answer to my stomach problems, for the most part I have my health. 

For these reasons and so many others I am forgetting today, I feel truly blessed.  I am so thankful for everyone and everything that I have in my life. 

While most of you will be out finding that great deal on Black Friday, one of those blog friends will be going through one of the worst days of her life.  A couple of days ago I posted about Denali's Mom, and her mare, Denali.  Tomorrow is the day she will be saying good-bye to that very special horse.  I know this is a decision that she has agonized over, and shed many, many tears.  But it is the right one for Denali and her Mom is giving her the ultimate gift, freedom from the pain and her failing hind legs.  While in her head, Denali's Mom knows it's the right thing to do, her heart just can't come to terms.  I can't even imagine what she must be going through.  Take a moment before you head out shopping and visit her blog, let her know that you are thinking of her and Denali, and keep them both in your prayers.  While nothing will make this better or keep Denali here with her, I know that she will find comfort in the support and kind words everyone has shared with her.  It is amazing how the blogging community has brought so many people together through the love of those amazing horses.

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