I Am Thankful For...

1. I am thankful for the community I was born in. Many other cities in this country are not as nice as ours. I can walk down the streets with my friends, and not worry about being robbed or shot. Other communities aren't like that. I feel safe living here and I'm very lucky for that.
2. I am thankful that my dad has a job. So many people are without jobs, and I am thankful my family is not one of them. Although everyone is struggling in this economy, I am happy that my family is still okay. Many people are without this Thanksgiving because of a job loss, and I feel blessed that my family will not be one of them.
3. I am thankful for my parents. They love me, and take care of me always. They listen if I need to talk, or nurse me if I am sick. My mom drives me almost everywhere I need to go, and I am very fortunate. Some kids' parents are divorced, or deceased, or just aren't in their lives. I love my parents and I'm glad I have them.
4. I am thankful for my house. Even though it seems like just another typical thing to be thankful for, its true. Michigan gets freezing during these months. Most people really take for granted their warm bed, and a roof when it snows. I am so thankful I have somewhere to go at night.
5. I am thankful for my older sister. She is my best friend, and I don't know what I would do without her. She gives me advices, consoles me, and is always there to listen. As a child I always had a play-mate and now that we are older, we hang out and I know she is always there.
6. I am thankful for my little brother. Although I complain about stepping on his toys, and wining about babysitting him, I love him. He always makes me feel better if I'm sad, and can always make me laugh. He is such a cutie and I don't know what I would do without him either.
7. I am thankful for my cell phone. That thing is attached to my hip always. I would go crazy without it. I'm always in touch with my friends, texting or calling. So many people don't have one, and it is a special luxury that I do, and I am very thankful for it.
8. I am thankful for sweat pants. There is nothing I like more, then coming home after a long day of school and a long swim practice, then to put on my warm, fuzzy sweat pants. They are so comfortable and just nice "lazy-clothes".
9. I am thankful for my swim team. It has made me a better, and faster swimmer throughout this season. The training has helped me achieve so many of my goals and beyond them. I have also learned some self-discipline waking up at quarter to five in the morning. I have made some of my very best friends on the team, and made the very best memories. We are all one big family and I love being with the team. It is something that not everyone has, and I am truly thankful for it.
10. I have serious medical problems with my hips. It has been very difficult to swim, and at one point-- to walk. This problem is with me for life. Although I go to physical therapy, and pain can be eased, and the problem lessen-- it will never fully go away. I am so lucky to be able to walk. I am so lucky I don't need surgery over this. I am so thankful everyday, that I am blessed with the continuous well-being of my hips. It is a struggle, but I know it could be worse, and I am thankful it isn't.