Three Things I'm Thankful For

Image from http://savingmorethanme.com/2013/10/vintage-thanksgiving/

I'm Thankful for...

1. Improved health (and doctors who listen).  I missed out on a lot of things in my twenties and early thirties, so my improved health is letting me make up for lost time.  I've been out and about more in the last year than I had been in the last ten years.  I've had the best health of my life this year (thanks to a few awesome doctors who took me seriously), and I don't ever want to take it for granted. 
2. Resilient spirit. Last year was a tough one when my marriage came to an end.  I am so grateful that my spirit was much more resilient than I gave it credit for.  With the help of a good counselor and the support of family and friends, I was able to bounce back in positive, healthy way. I'm now enjoying this new chapter of my life. 
3. Family and friends.  Speaking of family and friends, I am thankful to have them!  Simply put, they just make life better. 

There's plenty more that I'm thankful for, but I wanted to highlight my top three for 2013.  Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate!

What I'm Thankful For

Despite all my latest health issues, I still have things to be thankful for. Here's my Top Ten list:

1. My health. When it comes down to it, I am still thankful for the health that I have. It could be so much worse. It has been so much worse.  Just last year I was brought to an ER via ambulance.
2. My husband, who has stuck with me on this roller coaster of chronic illness. Even though I can get ridiculously emotional when I'm feeling particularly awful, he still loves me!  
3. My parents and brother, who have given me both moral support and space when I need it. They don't live nearby, but they are there when I need them.
4. My in-laws.  They accepted me into the family with open arms. We spend every Thanksgiving with them.  We're about to head over to their house now.
5. My cat, who is the best snuggler when I'm feeling especially sick or blue. In fact, right now she's sleeping next to me with a paw on the keyboard.
6. My primary care physician, who is also my CFIDS doctor. Her willingness to use unorthodox treatments is why I went from two years of severe illness (before I was diagnosed) to being able to work full time.
7. My current job. First, I'm thrilled that I am healthy enough to work and have a job I enjoy, even in this economy. Second, this job is less physically taxing than my last one, so I appreciate that I don't have to use as much energy.
8. My medical insurance. Despite all the frustrations and red tape associated with medical insurance, it has kept us from financial ruin because of my health expenses. So many people are without the luxury of being able to get the care they need because of finances.
9. Technology. Computer, internet, and phone are my lifelines to the outside world. TV and Netflix keep us entertained (though I'm not thrilled about the fee hike).
10. Tween books and movies. I'll admit it. I love that stuff.

To those who celebrate: Happy Thanksgiving! 

P.S. I see there are some comments in previous posts that I have not yet replied to.  I promise I will respond after Thanksgiving!