Many reasons to be thankful - today and always

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I found it appropriate to tell you the significant and less significant things for which I am so very thankful. This list touches the tip of the iceberg as I am thankful for so many "things."

1. Waking up to see another day - life is so short and each day is not a promise.

2. My family and their support system - we've been through more than most but with each event, good or bad, we become stronger.

3. My loving husband, Rich. If only everyone could see all the good he does for so many people.

4. Our dogs - for being the most loyal creatures in my life. How special that I know they will never hold a grudge or talk behind my back.

5. My loving in-laws and Nan-in-law. I am so fortunate to be a Smith and treated as though I am one of their own - all from the beginning.

6. My extended family and all my little cousins. They make every gathering bright and cheery.

7. My best friends.

8. My job and the comfort zone it provides.

9. A warm roof over our head and hot showers.

10. A great football and basketball season from the Wildcats. I love that Rich and I share this in common and can enjoy each game together.

11. My internal medicine doctor who has finally (after several rounds of blood work) discovered what is wrong with me. December 13th I will know more when I visit a specialist and I hope to feel much better and have more answers, along with a solution.

12. Freedom, safety, and security.

17. A real message in my email inbox or a hand-written card in the mail. I love being connected!

18. A quiet house.

19. The internet, Google, my Smart-Phone and laptop.

20. A great well-planned vacation or a spur of the moment dinner.

21. Knowledge and information.

22. The smell of a real wood-burning fire.

23. Fresh laundry.

24. Aveda skin-care products and make-up. Redken Pureology Shampoo and Conditioner.

25. Great movies and songs. We know them by heart and have no shame in quoting and singing along.

26. A long phone call with a great friend.

27. The beginning of the Christmas season and the spirit and joy that is alive in others during this time of year.

28. Nature and all its beauty.

29. My dentist for keeping my teeth clean and healthy and my smile bright.

30. Walks in the park/bike rides on warm sunny days or crisp fall mornings.

31. Corrective criticism.

32. The ability to see, hear, taste and smell.

33. My long eye lashes.

34. Being on Stony Brook Farm in Winchester, KY - beauty surrounds me and peacefulness calms me.

35. Horses and all their beauty.

36. Diet Coke and water with lemon.

37. Kate Spade and all the goodies she has to offer.

38. Unanswered prayers.

39. For my Mom and Dad - Teaching me morals at such a young age and the ability to understand right from wrong.

40. My Dad; My Hero - he always was and always will be. He had the biggest smile and the warmest heart. I miss him more and more each and every day. My Mom - Her unbelievable strength (especially since my Dad was her second husband to pass away) for picking up the pieces and raising my two brothers and I into the people we are today and rebuilding her life around the loss of her best friend.