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gratitude is not just for November

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This has been one very emotional week. It is not even hormonal either! It is a lot of gratitude and reality bum rushing me all at once.

First let me say, I have an amazing family. Despite the absence of my parents, my uncles, aunts, grandparents and cousins have been overwhelmingly supportive and loving. They all live quite a distance from me yet they still manage to keep up with my life and show their support and give encouragement to keep me motivated.
Uncle Brian, Aunt Chrissy, Uncle David and Emily-thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and for believing in me.

My friends-I cannot say enough about them. They push and push, keeping me on course with my goals and dreams. Bailey, Christina, Holly, Stephanie-these four in particular popped into my head. We all have something in common in some way, shape or form that gives us a bond. We have all been through similar situations at some point in our lives. It is those moments when you think there is no one else in this world who can possibly relate to anything you've ever been through only to find out they know exactly what you've been through and then some. It gives you hope that peace will overcome your life and things will get better. To all of my friends, I am grateful for your prayers, love, good thoughts and encouragement. Having people to share my journey with is one of the best parts of life!

Here is something I shared with my Uncle David via email this week and I felt it was so important to share again. Above all, this is what drives me to be better, stronger, and grateful.

     On the way to work this morning, I had a lot to think about. I left home at the end of my junior year in high school. Three months later, I got pregnant. I graduated high school on Nathaniel's first birthday and now I am about to graduate from college. My decisions weren't always the best and I know that now. I was determined I would not let my son suffer for my poor decisions in life and I don't believe he or any of my other children have. When I brought my cap and gown home, Nathaniel told me he was proud of me and that meant so much. Maybe I didn't live up to my parents expectations. But I hope they are proud of me. I can only hope. 

 I will always have a grateful heart. I know where I was five years ago and I know where I am now. Even on my best day, my mind couldn't imagine anything like this.

Guess what!? Exactly one month from today, I will be walking across the stage at Troy University!! I am almost there!!!

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