10 on Tuesday: Thankfulness

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I thought I'd devote today's "10 on Tuesday" to things I am thankful for. Is this list all inclusive? Heck, no - how could it be? My life would be sad indeed if I could only find 10 things I'm grateful for. Is this list in a particular order? Heck, no - who has time to sit and ponder how to "order" the things I'm thankful for....I certainly don't! I have too much to do to be getting ready for the big holiday - like, as in "get my butt into the kitchen and get to cookin' and bakin'!"

So - my list:

1. Freedom of speech. One of the most important freedoms we have – and I am very grateful for it. The fact that we can use Social Media (Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc) and post whatever we want to express online – is a wonderful thing and should not be taken for granted. I thank God I live in a country that doesn’t censor what we print or say. (for the most part)

2. Freedom of travel. For those of us living here in the United States, we can pretty much pack our passport and go anywhere in the world relatively very easy. Not everyone can do this. I have a good friend who lives in Guatemala City, who will be unable to make it up here to the States for her son’s wedding because of government red tape in trying to obtain a visa. We should never, ever take this freedom for granted. Ever. The world is so big and there's so much to explore - and our only limitations are time and money.

3. Freedom of religion. I am so thankful that I can go to any church of my choosing and worship the way I want to, when I want to, and who I want to. I can say the prayers I want to and I can sing the songs I want to...for that? I'm grateful.

4. Our military. My daughter, who’s in the Army, has served two tours of duty in Iraq. My son served one tour in Iraq through the Navy. I know what it’s like to be holding your breath every day hoping you don’t get the dreaded knock on the door. Our men and women in uniform are protecting us and our freedoms and I am SO proud of them and I am so thankful for them, that words will never express the gratitude I feel. I salute all of you - and all of your families you've left behind in your service.

5. The media. Strange as it may sound – I am thankful for the ability to turn on the television, or the radio, or pick up a newspaper – and read the news. It may be right-wing, it may be left-wing – but the fact that it’s available – and hasn’t been censored – is a huge freedom and just one more thing I am thankful for. There’s so many ways to get our information now – television, print, internet – it’s all good.

6. My teachers. For all of the teachers, professors and other mentors who touched me and molded me as I grew up – a huge thank you. The fact that they thought I was important enough to invest their time and effort – I will be forever in their debt. I am the person I am today because of them.

7. First responders. I am thankful for the police, the firemen, the medics, the rescuers – all of the people who respond in a disaster, risking their own lives in order to save others. Volunteering with the American Red Cross, I’ve had an opportunity many times to see these heroes in action – I salute them.

8. My family, friends, coworkers, pets & children. My circle of loved ones – family, friends, pets, co-workers – have all been inspirational to me. Again, I’m the person I am today because of them. They support me, they humor me, they indulge me – and they still love me. I am so blessed to be part of such a wonderful circle of life.

9. My health. Okay, I know I have struggled with some ongoing health issues – but in the scope of things – it’s nothing major. I am not spending my time in a hospital, surrounded by nurses and doctors – so I am grateful that my issues are relatively minor. Annoying? Yes. But minor.

10. My hubby. He is my rock. He’s my strength. He’s my best friend. He’s my life. I am always thankful he’s there and will never take him for granted.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? Besides the "usual," such as family, friends, etc - do you have something "unusual?"