Thanks and Giving

As rough as I thought this time of year might be, I actually have been waking up with such thanksgiving on my heart lately. I know Keri and God are giving me some peace to help me, but as I reflect on the fastest year of my life, I am truly thankful.

I am thankful for the outpouring of love I've seen and felt from family, friends, and strangers.

I am thankful for the hugs, the time spent taking my mind off of sadness, the phone calls, texts, and dinners to just talk about anything but loss.

I am thankful for the thoughtful gifts I've been given this year: The coasters of pictures and verses, the sunflower wreath, the cross wreath that looks like one Keri had, the She is Clothed in Strength and Dignity wooden wall hang, the sisters rocks, the butterfly light for my garden and Gerbera daisy, the turtle for my yard, the calendar of pictures of Keri and me, the wind chime, the picture of me and Keri with a favorite verse, the verse cards that were meant for Keri to encourage her and now me, the sweet cards, the chewing gum, and countless others that I know I've forgotten in my fog of the past year. They all mean so much!

I am thankful for the plethora of memories that have flooded back to me this year and all of the memories I've been honored to hear from others who have a favorite.

I am thankful for the friendships that have strengthened because of our shared love of the sweetest girl ever.

I am thankful for the understanding that people have given me when I'm in a funk or just need to be cheered up.

I am thankful for the signs from above that I've witnessed this year.

I am thankful for all of the stories of people who now believe in God because of Keri.

I am thankful for the peace I feel, even though it hurts sometimes.

I am thankful for knowing at my age the importance of time and truly LIVING in the moments.

I am thankful for getting to keep Keri alive for her kids and for everyone.

I am thankful for EVERYTHING!

Now that it's the season of "giving", I still encourage everyone to choose a favorite charity, organization, or cause to give to. These are some ideas for giving this year.

• http://www.donationto.com/Alex-Pearson-Recovery-Fund - This is a child who goes to church with my aunt. Please read his story and consider helping his family out. You can also follow them on Facebook at Alex Pearson's Recovery
• Angel Tree - great to do with kids to show them what helping others out is like
•  St. Jude Children's Hospital Keri's favorite charity. You can even buy gifts that allow you to donate money to the hospital
• Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation - help fund research to find a cure

 BE THE GOOD! BECOME BETTER!