Thankfulness...

The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessing."

-Henry Ward Beecher

As everyone knows these past few months have been some of the most difficult of my life. My life has been completely changed by Tony's passing, my heart is broken, but, still, I have so very,very much to be thankful for.

I am thankful for Tony, that I was married to an incredibly kind, generous and gentle man. My best friend, my mentor, my love of my life. I am so thankful for the sixteen wonderful years that we spent together. I am thankful that Tony was able to come home, be with me, and then pass on so peacefully here in our home. I am thankful for the way he changed the course of my life forever and helped me find my purpose.

I am thankful for my family. I am thankful that my mom is my closest friend and my partner in the rescue. I get to spend every day with her. I am thankful that my dad and his wife, Julie, are happy. I am thankful that I have two of the best nieces in the whole world and that my brother Tom and his wife, Kelly, are awesome parents. I am thankful to have my new sister in law, Stephanie, as part of my family and thankful that she fell in love with my gentle and loving brother, Clint. I am thankful that my sister, Sarah, is such a an incredible person and someone whom I admire very much. I am thankful she has met Joe, a really great guy who loves her.

I am thankful for all my friends.

I am thankful that I can travel the world. It always makes me thankful that I live in the free United States and I am thankful for all our people in the service who keep us free.

I am thankful for my many dogs and cats, who share my empty house with me and ease my loneliness.

I am thankful for all of the animals at Shiloh.

I am thankful for Donkey Otie who he haws and tries to bite me every single morning when I arrive at Shiloh.

I am thankful for Ochocinco who carried little unborn Cairo to the rescue where he could be born in comfort and have a future.

I am thankful for all of the Gummies, who are able to live out their days in companionship with full bellies and warm blankets.

I am thankful for all of our supporters, donors, volunteers and adopters. I am thankful for my Shiloh Family.

I am thankful for my horse, Jedermann, who came into my life at just the right time to help me in my grief and give me another purpose.

I am thankful...