Thankful Thursday

For the five years that I taught 3^rd Grade, I had a practice in my classroom that every Thursday was “Thankful Thursday”. We took time during our busy morning routine to stop and go around the room and let everyone tell about what they were thankful for. Every year was the same. The first couple of weeks of school, most of the kids would shrug and say, “I dunno”. I would eagerly urge, ‘’Come on. You can think of something…..just one thing….that you’re thankful for.” By the time May rolled around, I had kids bouncing in on Monday morning declaring, “Mrs. Lundgren…I already know what I’m gonna be thankful for on Thursday!” My heart was happy!! Being a stay at home mom this past year, I’ve missed those times with my students…times of learning about gratitude and what really matters in life. This year for Thanksgiving I heard of the idea of thinking of one thing you are thankful for, starting with the letter A. By November 26^th, you will have completed the alphabet and come up with 26 things for which you are thankful.

Here’s my list so far:

A- A--I’m so grateful for Andrew, my husband. I don’t even have to tell you how stressful the last 14 months have been for us. And while everyday hasn’t been easy, Andrew has been an incredibly supportive husband, a relentless fighter and advocate for Luke, a loving and VERY involved daddy, a hard worker and provider for our family, a prayer warrior …..the list goes on. I love this man!!!

B- B-- Blogs. I have learned so much by reading other people’s blogs. Other twin mommies have coached me through their blog entries. I have learned a MULTITUDE of things by reading blogs of other families who have children with special needs.

C- C--Caleb. What an adorable little guy. He fills our house with so much joy!! He makes us laugh everyday and definitely keeps us our toes as he explores EVERY corner of this house!

D- D--Doctors~ If you know our journey, you know we’ve have some good ones and some not-so-good ones. And the Great Physician has sure shown Himself to be the VERY best caregiver without a doubt. But, overall, I’ve been very impressed with the incredible knowledge and compassion we have found in our doctors this year. I am thankful for people who dedicate their lives to medicine.

E- E--Espresso!! Being a mommy of twin boys is down right HARD WORK! I am thankful for coffee that gets me going in the morning.

F- F--Financial provision. We took a huge step of faith when I quit my job to stay home with our boys. Never have regretted it once (especially with all that has gone on with Luke). Except for one month or maybe two, the budget NEVER works out on paper…and yet, every bill gets paid…every need is met.

G- G--Generosity- Along those lines…..Andrew and I have never been so humbled by the generosity of other people. I could write 20 pages just about this. This year we have been given clothes, toys, food, gas cards, had our mortgage paid more than once, free babysitting…not to mention the incredible gift of time that so many of our friends have given us through long conversations, phone calls, and prayers. It’s one thing when you’re family helps you,…it’s another when your own peers are sacrificially giving to you (and you know their budgets don’t work out on paper either!!).

H- H--Hope. We’ve learned a lot about hope this year. Our hope is in God, our Creator, Savior and the Giver of all good things! I love that no matter how difficult the circumstance or how bleak things may seem, we serve a God who inspires hope…..”Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” Hebrews 11:1 I’m also thankful for HEALTH. Even though Luke has his struggles, the four of us have remained healthy this year. I can’t even remember the last time I had a cold.

I- I--The Internet. In all seriousness, I don’t know what I would have done without Google. When I was pregnant I was able to learn about twin-to-twin syndrome and use that information to ask the right questions. When our doctors here dismissed Luke’s startles as “non seizure” activity, it was on-line information that helped us know to look for more answers. Information is a very good thing!

J- J--Jehoavah-Rapha – I have experienced God in many different ways this year. I am thankful to know Him as Jehovah Rapha-The God who heals!!! Cannot thank Him enough for the many, many ways He has healed both Caleb and Luke this year.

K- K--Well, all that comes to mind are names…..Kari, Karlene, Katie, Kathryn, Kimberly, Nurse Kathy, Kristin…..the list could go on. Each of these people has been such an important part of this past year. …each in their own way. If any of you are reading this….I’m thankful for you!!! Kari, for your constant intercession and for being a great big sister, Karlene for UNENDING support and love, Katie for being brave enough to come hang out with a new mommy of twins everyday for 3 months, Kathryn, for fighting the battle with me, Kimberly, for your sweet friendship and understanding like no on else can what it’s really like to have two babies, Kathy, for being an amazing nurse and caring for Luke like he was your own, Kristin, for the many boxes of boy clothes and all of the other ways you’re been so generous. On that note, I’m thankful for ALL of my friends!!

L- L--Of course…Luke! Our little fighter man has taught us so much. We’ve learned to appreciate every single day, celebrate the small stuff, expect big things from God, keep on going even when you’re afraid, never give up…..and many, many other things.