Ahhh, I get that the title of this post is a bit dramatic. Well I’m nothing if I’m not dramatic once in a while (Pu-lease don’t tell Phil I said this, I spend half of my life trying to convince him that I am not at all dramatic). Being a lil’ bit dramatic now and again is how I process things that have the potential to upset me. I’m like every single diva of a gay man on Project Runway — sometimes I need to have a bit of a hissy fit before I can move on. I get that it’s not what some might call the “best” way of “handling things,” but it’s “a” way. I may appear to be calm, collected, intelligent, talented, kind, and hilarious on the outside, but on the inside I’m more than all of that — I’m human. I breathe air and pee in the toilet just like everyone (and some cats, too!) else.
So I’m in a sarcastic mood tonight. So (Vickie)sue(san Kay) me.
This is my first big holiday away from family. Phil’s too. We’ve divvied up our time between my parents and his, but this is our first parent-less holiday. (At the same time, this is our first holiday as parents! That’s good.)
The Swiss don’t seem to give a hoot about pilgrims and Indians and Mayflowers and turkeys and dressing, so Phil had to work today. Not only that, he had to be at work ALL day. He left before Asher and I got up and he won’t be home until 10:30 PM, long after Asher has gone to bed. What a ripoff! Not only can we not be with our families for Thanksgiving, but we can’t even be together, with our little family.
The Swiss might take my husband for the day, and the distance might take my other family members and friends, but Switzerland and the Atlantic ocean cannot take away the thankfulness that I have this Thanksgiving. I’ll admit: I have been feelin’ a bit blue today, but I have had my hissy fit and now I’m going to be grateful. The things for which I am grateful are as follows:
-My kind, loving, hilarious, and hard-working husband Phillip. He is my best and closest friend. It sounds cliche to say, but I honestly cannot imagine my life without him.
-My precious, perfect, teeny-tiny Asher, who has added incredible meaning to my life and an amazing new dimension to my relationship with Phillip.
-My parents, to whom I owe so much. They gave me life and everything that goes with it. I also love and appreciate them in an entirely new way since becoming a parent. I know raising Doug and Kacy must have been tough, but they stuck it out like champs.
-My in-laws, to whom I am grateful for the way that they raised Phillip to be the amazing godly man that he is, and for welcoming me into their family by loving and teasing me.
-My big brother Doug, who was my best friend and trusted mentor growing up. I cannot think of a single childhood memory that does not include Doug. I am who I am, in large part, because of my brother.
-My baby sister Kacy, who has grown into a fantastic young lady and one of the people with whom I am closest. The only bad thing about Kacy is that she is now an ocean away from me. I could spend every day with her and not ever get sick of her company. She also has played a huge part in shaping my life and who I am.
-My sister-in-law Danielle, who is the perfect balance for my strong-willed brother and one of the kindest, most precious souls I have ever met. I’m hopeful that we will someday live close to each other so that we could spend more time together.
-My brother-in-law Daniel, who has such a big and loving heart and who works and loves so hard. I love that I can see the passion and devotion in his eyes whenever he looks at Kacy or Eden.
-My sister-in-law Jennie and my brother-in-law Aaron. Phil’s stories of them make me smile. I haven’t been able to spend as much time with them as I would like, but I love them and am grateful for them just the same.
-My adorable Corin, who absolutely showers the world with joy from his eyes. He is what every little boy should be — happy, busy, loving, and loved.
-My beautiful Eden, who has demonstrated such intense personality in just her first few months of life. She and the time that I spent with her, both before and after she was born, mean so much to me.
-The newest member of our family, whose name we don’t yet know. The new baby is already a blessing to our family (Morelands included!) in that he or she is a reminder of the gifts of life and love. Little baby, I love you already and I am excited to know you!
-Our first precious baby, whom we lost last September. I am grateful for the short weeks of life that our first little Love had, and for the ways in which that baby changed our perspective on life and love. I am thankful to have the memory of that little One. Death cannot take that from me.
-My amazing friends. I wish I could list them all and the ways in which I am thankful for them, but the day is not long enough to list how much they all mean to me and how they have all impacted my life.
-The funding that Phillip is receiving which makes it possible for me to be home to care for our little boy. Since the moment Asher starting growing inside of me, his care has been one of my top priorities. Even just at three little tiny months old, he is a lot of work. I cannot imagine trusting anyone else to help him grow into the Christian man that his Dad and I want him to become. Some days are long, but every smirk, every tear, every cuddle, every moment is precious and irreplaceable.
-The beauty of Earth. God has made such an amazing place for us. I am so thankful for His decision to make everything so beautiful, and for the people who care enough to keep it that way.
-This awesome adventure that we have in front of us — to grow together in such a fabulous and different place. Living here in Switzerland is going to be an amazing experience.
-Delicious food. I am thankful for the food that I have, and for the deliciousness of (most of) it.
-Animals. I am thankful for my late dog Cody, whose memory is enough to make me cry. I am also thankful for my sweet, naughty little Tuffy, who is nearing the end of her days, but will always be a baby in my mind (she’s so tiny!). I cannot leave out Fang & Tigger, two of the cats that Phil talks about the most. I know he had and loved others, but those two meant a lot to him and I love them for that. I know it sounds beauty-pageantish of me to say this — but I’m thankful for all of the animals in the whole world! I love animals.
-Water. I love drinking water. I know that some people do not have access to clean water, and so I must be grateful that I am able to drink and bathe in clean water.
-Mexican food. I know that I already said I was grateful for delicious food, but Mexican food needs its own spot on this list. I love Mexican food. I love it SO much.
-Fiber. It makes me happy every day (eh, or every couple of days. Whenever it does, I’m grateful).
-May 19, every year. I am so thankful that I have an entire day each year to celebrate the happiest day of my life and the best decision I ever made. My marriage to Phil is a blessing.
-The Internet, for keeping me close to family even when I’m so far away. And for keeping me occupied on boring days.
There are so many more things for which I am thankful, but that list will have to suffice for now. I need to shower before Phillip gets home so that he doesn’t think that the magic is gone from our relationship.
That list got kind of sappy, so I feel like I need to say something shocking and distasteful now.
…bloppers!
Yeah. I said it. Don’t even get me started, or I’ll say it again!
Happy Thanksgiving, Americans!
That's What Bre Said 