Thankfulness

As part of my assignment this week, my counselor wanted me to write a grief letter with 4 points; What  I resent, regret, my disappointments, and what I am thankful for. I love ending on a positive note, and I just wanted to share with you all how truly thankful I am. Thank you all for being blessings in my life and helping me overcome this battle. I love you all and could not have gotten to this stage in the healing process without you. 

THANKFULNESS

• I am so incredibly blessed and thankful to have God's grace. His love amazes me and the fact that no matter what I do, that will never go away.
  
  
• I thank him for these trials in my life; because of them, I have grown stronger in my faith, developed perseverance, strength, patience, and a love for others that continues to grow stronger with each day that passes.
  
  
• I thank Jesus that he blessed me with my family. Yes, we have our issues but when it comes down to it, we love each other so much and we are all we have. My family's support has been huge for me through all of this

• I am so thankful for my mom and how even through all of her crap, she tries so hard to make our lives as normal as possible. She knows how devastated we were when we lost my dad and every holiday she wants to keep our traditions alive and incorporate my dad's spirit some how. Whether it's giving us a picture of him as one of our gifts or displaying the Santa Clause that our friend made us with his Christmas ties. She always loves making us feel special and I thank her for that. Even though we argue at times, at the end of the day she is still my best friend. She always sticks up for me, drives me to work, picks me up from work late at night so I don't have to ride the max when it's dark, hugs me when I cry, makes sure that I'm eating and getting healthy, and most importantly she loves me with all her heart.

• I am very thankful for my brother Stephen. No matter what that kid loves me with all his heart and would do anything for me. He is like my second mom, and protects me like a mother bear. When I was planning on moving away, he poured out his heart to me expressing just how much I meant to him. I love that kid and am so blessed to have him as my older brother and a best friend. Whenever I have a bad day I know he is only a phone call away. He knows just the encouraging words to tell me to make it all better. He worries about me all the time, and I am so thankful that I have a family that loves me so much that they worry non-stop about my safety.
  
  
• I thank God for my sister-in-law Krystal. God could not have picked a better person for my brother and an addition to our family. I have always wanted a sister and he answered my prayers when he brought Krystal into my life. She is the most caring, selfless person and no matter how crazy our family is, she loves us despite it all.
  
  
• I am so blessed that God let me have my daddy for 18 years of my life. He was my best friend, and through all of this, I can take away how his sickness has changed me and made me who I am today. My dad made me the woman I am today by teaching me what it means to love, live life, and have faith in every situation. His love for God is an inspiration, and seeing how he persevered even in the tough times, shows his faithfulness to our heavenly father. Not once, did he blame God or have any anger towards him. He is my hero and I can't wait for our reunion in Heaven.
  • Growing up my dad was there at every sporting event, choir concert, ballet recital, drama production that I had. He would even show up early to my volleyball practices to see how I was doing and if he could help the coaches at all with cleaning up. My dad loved his kids and did everything in his power to help us grow into strong, confident, faithful adults. His dedication at home and work showed just how much he loved us. Never once did he ask for anything for Christmas or his birthday. He would have rather wanted us to use the money on ourselves. He was the most selfless man I have ever met. It was always about us. He is the perfect example of someone demonstrating Christ's love.
    
    
• I thank God for my team of doctors and the support/love that they give me. I would not be able to do this without them.

• I'm grateful for my best friends.
• Abby we have been together for 17 years and I can't imagine my life without you. From grade school to dorm life, you've been with me every step of the way.I loved sharing a room with you in college and could not imagine rooming with anyone else. Oh our little womby :) I loved knowing that I would always be waking up to laughter with our crazy morning routines. Playing FloRida and Sexy B*tch so loud we would get our wall pounded on to shut it off. Through all of this you have inspired me to get help. Even though you will be moving away with Tyler I know you will always be a part of my life. I love you with all my heart Abs. 
• Caitlyn, girl you make me laugh like no other. I love all of our girl talks and crazy times in the car. Oh and can't forget about our random adventures to Target. haha Love you so much. 
• Amy, we have been friends since kindergarden and I laugh just thinking about growing up with you because we have so many hilarious moments that I will never forget. All the times we would play Polly Pockets and fight over who got the boy, dressing up for Halloween at my grandparents house, and countless sleepovers. I love you Amos. 
• I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to experience college life at one of the most prestigious Christian universities in the country. Even if it was just for 2 years, that is more than most get. I met so many wonderful people out of that school.
  • My friend Allegra
    • She has inspired me in so many ways to be healed. She was the one that encouraged me to write my blog, witnesses to others by sharing my story and how Christ has been working in my life.
  • My old boss/interior design professor Lauri
    • Lauri is one of the most beautiful people I have ever met. Her love for God shines through everything she does. I thank her for her guidance, and words of encouragement. She brought me to my current job at IKEA and she always pushed me to follow my dreams.
  • AJ
  • my friend Lisa
  • and many more friends and experiences that I will always treasure
    
    
• I can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am for my church Solid Rock. God brought me to them and it has been the best thing in my life thus far. They are my support and my family. Whenever I have a bad day I look forward to worshiping God in my home church under the beautiful stained glass dome that hovers over us. I have met so many incredible people since first attending
  • My pastors Gerald and John Mark
  • My good friend Abi Porter
    • She is my mentor and I go to her whenever I need guidance or just a friend. She meets me every week or so for coffee or ice cream and we just chat. It is so wonderful to have Godly women like this in your life.
  • Our women leaders Abby and Bethany
  • My friends Peter and Jack
  • And so many more wonderful brother's and sister's in Christ!
    
    
• I am so thankful for my job at IKEA. This has been one of the biggest blessings in my life and I thank God for it. I started out in the kitchen design department and then was promoted to the bedrooms department, which is where God was calling me to be. I hope to shine Christ's love through everything I do. Thank you Jesus for granting me this opportunity! 
  
  
  Peace and blessings to you all.