Giving Thanks Challange

My friend Sue invited me to take part in the Giving Thanks Challenge.
I didn't join right away because really, I didn't know if I could come up
with enough things.
I thought about it a little more and thought I might try it just to see if I
can because I do like the idea of being thankful everyday.

This is Day Two:



As I walked around today trying to think of just what am I thankful for
I decided since today would have been my Dad's birthday, I am thankful
for him. Without him I wouldn't have been born nor would I be who I am
today.
What I think about today is that he passed on to me the ability to work,
to laugh and even when times get hard just keep going. My Dad was a study
in contrasts.
There is a tenancy to blame our parents for the way we turned out. I think that
is a huge cop out. WE all make choices and if we don't like who we are , change it.
Only we are responsible for us. I have six kids. I know they could write volumes on
the many, many mistakes I made/make. But like my parents, I have learned, we do the
best we know how to do at the time.
Given the cards they were dealt and how they did as people.



I am thankful they had the guts to stand up for what they thought was right,
they took chances and they lived life. On the edge sometimes but boy did
they live it.
I am thankful that while I might not live the way they did, they left me a legacy
of strength and courage.

So today I am thankful for that.

I keep thinking of those people protesting Wall Street. The people who
were protesting here in our town met at Starbucks.
With their laptops and their 5.00 dollar coffee.
That bugs me. My Dad lived in a farm labor camp.
He said once, " The really poor people lived next door."
They were never poor. My grandparents came to California
so their kids could go to college. They gave up their farm and their
land so their kids could have a brighter future.
I am thankful for the sacrifice that my Dad gave for me.

I think we could learn some lessons.

Have a great Thursday!
Kim