Thankful.

As I think back on the last year, I am overwhelmed with the life events that have taken place and the lessons learned. It was around this time last year when I started this blog and, while I have not been as up with the posting as I would like, it has been such a great reminder of those events and lessons learned. In no particular order, here are the top 10 things I am thankful for this year:

1. A family that loves me unconditionally, supports me, and encourages me to still chase after my dreams, even at the age of 25.

2. The last 7 years that Travis and I have spent getting to know each other, going on date nights, cheering on the Dawgs, exploring Athens, traveling to new cities, and building the foundation for our marriage. Leading me to...

3. ...A fiance that accepts me with all of my flaws, quirks, and Type A qualities, celebrates the little kid that is in me, and challenges me as a person and in my faith.

4. That my Granddaddy is in a safe place. Over the last year, my family has been dealing and coping with the changes that have been occurring in his life. My Granddaddy has Alzheimer's and the last year has been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, as his memory has slowly been fading away. The last couple of months have been extremely tough on my Nanny, my mom, her sisters and our family as a whole. About a week ago, my Granddaddy was accepted in to an Alzheimer's care facility that is more than we could have imagined. He is well taken care of and is making friends with the other men and women. While this is the first Thanksgiving that he won't be in our house celebrating, he will be ever present in our hearts, as we are thankful that he is with us for another year. 

5. My high school friends. These girls have been there for every up and down, as we have grown up together from teenagers worried about what to wear on the first day of school, to women who are now separated by a few to a hundred miles. I am thankful that I have this group of friends that know me inside and out... and no distance will ever change that. 

6. My girlfriend friends. These friendships began as a result of our respective others being a part of the same fraternity... but what came from those initial beginnings are friendships that are full of life talks, relationships rooted in our faith, and a love for Georgia football. 

 7. A job where I am constantly challenged professionally and in my knowledge of special education and autism; where I am forced to re-evaluate my views and thoughts on education; where I am supported by my principal, vice principal and the teachers that comprise our staff; where I am hoping for a smile or eye contact to let me know that I have breached the silence that autism often leaves behind.

8. Jamaica. I am so thankful for this trip and all that my heart was opened to. Throughout this week, my faith was strengthened and renewed through experiences that required me to fully and completely put all of my faith and trust in God. I was reminded that no matter where you go, who you encounter, or where you come from, the way you live your life and interact with those around you can be a true testament to your faith and relationship with God.

9. Tyreke. This child has changed my life forever. The passion that was awakened in my heart for adoption makes me excited, nervous and emotional, all at the same time. Through him, I was reminded of the innocence that all children have, that a smile can melt your heart, and that God has a miraculous way of working people, or toddlers, in to our life. 

10. My God. Throughout the last year, I have had personal and professional highs and lows. I have been challenged and pushed, and just when I thought I couldn't take anymore, I was challenged and pushed even farther. No matter the frustrations, prayers, and tears that followed, I have always known that God has been the one orchestrating all of the events that have occurred. That is sometimes not the easiest thing to remind yourself of, or truly be 100% confident in, especially when the storm seems to rage and rage... but isn't that faith... believing that no matter the circumstance, God has a plan. And His plan is bigger and better than one I ever could have imagined. I am thankful that my God loves me enough to master a plan so tailored to my every need, desire, wish and hope. 

On Thanksgiving, no matter the circumstance, or the lesson learned, I am thankful.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18