Happy Thanksgiving

Dear American Friends,

We don’t celebrate thanksgiving down here in Australia but it’s kind of a pity – spending a whole day being thankful for things sounds like a good idea! So I’d like to send you all some happy thanksgiving vibes – I understand now why my email’s been so quiet today! – and I’d like to share things I’m thankful for. Even though I’m not American… Can I steal your tradition just for a moment? I promise not to cook a roast turkey – that would be too much. And I don’t know much about roast turkeys…

• I’m thankful for all of you. For all the august mums and the other people I’ve met in cyberspace. Sometimes I have lonely moments and it’s comforting to know there are friendly faces (and fingers!) at the other end of my computer somewhere!
• I’m thankful for my children. Gosh I’m thankful for my children. I love them to bits. They drive me insane and cause me angst and embarrassment, but they bring me joy and love and pride that I never considered imaginable and I cannot imagine my life without them. I would sacrifice everything for them (I have moments where I think I already have) and I know that I was put on this earth to be a mother – it’s my calling – and I love it. Not necessarily every single minute – but I wouldn’t exchange it for anything and I’m incredibly grateful for the honour of being mum to three gorgeous young men.
• I’m thankful for my marriage. We’re nearly up to 16 years now – in a few weeks. We had 12 years of absolute bliss and the last few years have been more difficult but after much soul searching I realise we’re in this together for the long haul. At times I long for moments alone and for independence but I know that in the end I really want the companionship.
• And I’m thankful for my husband because while he drives me nuts at times (men! why couldn’t I be a lesbian?!) when the chips are down I know he’s going to be there and I trust him more than any other living soul. He could do with a bit of polishing and some romance lessons. But when I *really* need him he is always there and for that I am truly blessed.
• I’m thankful for my girlfriends. When the husband and kids are driving me nuts I have girlfriends who understand. Women who’ve been there and done that. Women who can put it all in perspective and see the light at the end of the tunnel. And friends who’ll come shopping with me and go to see chick flicks and generally do all the fun stuff that men don’t get!
• And I’m thankful for my good health. Longevity runs in my family and if I’m going to live to be 90+ I’d like to do so with good health. Not too many aches and pains and problems. I am generally extremely healthy (except for right this minute …) and have no major health problems. I’m such a terrible patient that my good health is something everyone should be grateful for!