Thankful for Support

I've tried to be mindfully thankful this entire month. This week, as we approach Thanksgiving, I find myself being more and more grateful for our family. Our support network.

There are two women who come to mind immediately. One of them is my grandfather's lady friend, Marge. I know she is sent to us straight from God. When my grandmother passed 9 years ago, I didn't think there was much that was going to make my grandfather happy ever again. Then he met Marge and I saw him smile again. I got to know her more once I became a stay at home mom, and Rosie and I would go visit them. Once Buddy was born and I was feeling a little overwhelmed, she offered to watch him every week, so I could go grocery shopping with Rosie.

It made all the difference in the world.

I got one on one time with my baby girl, who, it's hard to believe, was only 16 months old when he was born. Marge watched Buddy once a week for a year and half. They have a very special bond because of it. Now she watches both of them when I have doctor or dentist appointments, and even when we went to an out of state wedding in September. Simply put, she is an angel. I don't know where I'd be without her. The kids love her and her gentle way. Marge, I am always, and this week especially, thankful for you.

The other woman I am extremely grateful for is my mother-in-law, Marcia. She loves her grandkids fiercely. She watches them whenever she can, and the kids love sleepovers at Nana's. I've always said that one of the best things we did was let them sleepover at her & Steve Sr.'s house early on because it's second nature to them now. This was particular handy when Buddy was born, and Rosie spent a few nights at Nana & Grampa's- it was nothing new to her!

Marcia. Another lady I don't know where I'd be without. Having lost my own mother, I know God has given me this nurturing, caring mother-in-law, and I am forever grateful. She's listened to my worries and has always been there for me, even in the delivery room that first time, when I just needed to grasp another woman's hand as the Doctor discussed a C-section (it didn't happen but I'll never forget that moment she let me whisper out my tear-filled worries and reassured me).

Thank you, God, for these amazing women and everyone else in our support network who constantly give us the strength to get over hurdles, both big and small. I am forever grateful that my kids are surrounded by people who love them so very much.