I am thankful, really

It has been a tough couple days. This was our first Thanksgiving without Dale. He loved Thanksgiving, it was his favorite holiday. We celebrated without him. It is amazing to me, how in a roomful of people, 23 to be exact, people whom I love, I can still be extremely lonely.

Yet, at the same time, there is joy. There is thanksgiving.

I am thankful for 3 beautiful, accomplished, godly, daughters, who are my greatest treasure. They bring such joy to my life, I would be lost without them.

I am thankful for 2 wonderful, godly son-in-laws, and one almost son-in-law, who adore and love my daughters.

For my grandson. Who fills my heart in such a most significant way, that only the Lord and I know.

For my parents who loved and raised me to love the Lord, who continue to take my name before the Throne of God as my advocates.

For my siblings, who love and support me.

For my nieces and nephews, who are growing into such fine, delightful adults.

For In-laws, who are family indeed.

For friends of all sorts, who laugh, encourage, and love right along side me.

I am thankful to the Lord, that though I don't always understand His ways, He continues to take me by the hand and lead me gently forward onto new passages. For meeting my every need, at every bend. For giving light, sometimes only just enough, to take the next step. I am thankful for the 28 years of knowing Dale, and for the fact that for eternity I will be able to worship the Lord with him, as he does now. So, even if at times it is with tears, I am thankful, really.