This is the time of year where we all sit, evaluate, and determine what or who in our lives we want to give thanks. I have not been good at this in the past. I have spent many Thanksgivings sad and bitter about life and my circumstances. This year is not one of those years, so I wanted to dedicate this to some very important in my life.

I want to start with my family at Celebrate Recovery. This group of people took me in at my lowest point with arms wide open. They never judge no matter what kind of crazy things I tell them. I found a sponsor who I would not trade for the world. She encourages me in everything I do and tells me when what I am doing is stupid. She pushed me to not be a procrastinator and to actually do what I am told. She tells me she loves me even when I feel like I have disappointed her. Most important of all, she is there. She’s there when I call, text, or just show up at her house because I can’t find a meeting. Sherri you have been the best ever since the night I walked through the door.

Ash and Missy. The two of you are the big sisters I never had and the best a kid can ask for. For years you have been there for me. You took me into your families as one of your own and loved me through some pretty tough times. Ash, there are no words to thank you enough for the countless meals, for letting me crash on your couch, and for letting me show up at your house crying and you just sit there and let me. Missy, you understand parts of my life that not many others do. You let me sit across the table form you and vent until my voice get so high pitched with frustration that you probably can’t understand what I am saying. No matter what I come to the two of you with you don’t walk away or tell me to hit the road. You two exemplify what it means to love, and for the I could not be more great full.

Now my brother. We have been together for a solid 23 years now. I would like to say we have liked each other for the majority of those. We have fought, we have blamed stuff on each other, and we are not a whole lot alike. There are a lot of siblings that go through life saying that they love each other because there “have to”, they are family after all. I can say that is not true for us. I can genuinely say, I love you. Not because I have to, but because I choose to. I have told you my darkest secrets and you love me. I told you I was an addict and you said, “Man I feel like we need a shot or something!” I have told you my crazy dreams and you support me in the all. You may be a lot like mom and I a lot like dad, but I think we are better for it. I cannot think of a better big brother I would rather have by my side.

Lastly. My mother. I struggle with the words to write to you, not because I lack them, but because I feel like they won’t do you justice. You and I express ourselves in different ways. I am not the best at telling you how I feel, so I am going to try my best. I have walked through my life seeing you live out what it is to truly be a Godly woman. I have gone through periods of not talking to you and not listening to what you have to say (although it was almost always what I needed to hear).There have been times where I thought I couldn’t tell you things because I didn’t want to add another disappointment to your list. All of these times I thought I could tell you something that would make you love me less, but I could not have been more wrong. You show me everyday the true definition of unconditional love. You show me that is okay to be who am and you love me through all of it. There is no one in the world I could be more proud of to call my mom.

The  love and admirationI have for these people is far beyond anything I can write. I am proud to call them my family.

Peace