Thankful Day 1

I'm going to talk about something I'm thankful for every day this month.  It may not always be long or particularly meaningful (it may even be shallow at times), but I think it will be good for me.  It will help me focus on the positive in my life, especially with the holidays coming up.  It will help me think about what I do have instead of the "should have beens."  I know it helped me last year so hopefully it will do the same this year.  I'll probably repeat a lot of what I said last year, but that's OK.  It's good to have things to be thankful for 2 years in a row.

On this first day I'm thankful for my husband, Adam.  Goodness knows we've had our ups and downs in our over 6 years of marriage, but I know no matter what life throws at us we'll go through it together and come out on the other end.  We did that with the Army.  We did that with adjustment after the Army.  We did that with my disappointment in not being hired as a teacher yet (still working on that).  We did that with the miscarriage a year ago.  And we'll get through (not over . . . never over) the loss of Madeline . . . together.

Even through our rough times we find ways to make sure we're there for one another.  For me, it's Adam making me laugh.  Even on days I don't think I can laugh he usually finds a way (or does his best trying to).  Just talking to him makes me feel more grounded and better.  He makes me realize things I hadn't considered or wasn't willing to look at.

He loves me despite my flaws.  He makes sure to tell me he loves me too.  When I feel like a mess and not myself he always comforts me ensuring me he still sees me and loves me.  He makes me want to be and feel like a better person.

It's not all roses all the time, don't get me wrong.  Anyone who says their marriage is perfect I would wager is lying (mostly to themselves).  But our marriage works for us.  We balance each other and help each other stay grounded and happy.  So I'm even thankful for the hard times because they help strengthen and cement our relationship.  We are better with each other because we help bring out the best in each other.

I'm truly lucky to have such a supportive, loving spouse.  I'm thankful for him every day.  I know dealing with Madeline's death would be a million times worse if I didn't have him in my life supporting me all the way.  I love you Adam.  Thank you for being my partner and my husband.