Forgettable Days (At least one can hope they will be someday)
So today I got to explain to the water company reasons why they can't shut off my water today.  Can I pay the bill that is already past due? . . . No, or at least I can't pay it all and feed my family for the next two weeks.  Have you ever had to face the choice between, having a place to live, the ability to have utilities that make living in that place comfortable, or eating?  I hope you never have to make that choice.  We've had to make that choice over and over again for the past several months and I'll tell you truthfully . . . as much as you think it would suck . . . it does and a million times more.
Let's just say thus far, 2012 has not been kind to this family. Between my getting laid-off from work and not finding a new job yet, Jeff's surgery in April and three-weeks in the hospital recovering and not getting any pay during this time, having to see one more of our children graduate and leave home, Jeff only having one class to teach this summer meaning practically no $.  Our car needing major repairs $$$ and our other car dead since last December (translation being that we've only had one car for months now).  Me getting bronchial-pneumonia in June and still having it as of today September 4; I can honestly say that I'm done!!!  I won't say that things couldn't get worse though because I'm not dumb.  I know they can.
Enough negativity.  These are the good things I am grateful for and that's how I need to end this so I don't get upset and cry anymore.
I am grateful for a new granddaughter, Jade Matilda, born last April (during Jeff's stint in the hospital). I'm grateful that I was able to go see her and try to help her mom a little.  I'm grateful for Becca and all of her fine accomplishments and was proud to watch her receive her diploma and start her life.  I'm grateful for Ryan and for his love of life and trying new things like going on a study-abroad to Palestine and Israel this past May and June.  I'm grateful for Jill and Kenny and Lola and Jade and all their accomplishments and love.  I'm grateful for Anna, especially lately or I'd be a lonely mom.  She has been albeit bored at times the past few months, kind and fun, and distracting, and good and loving.  I don't know what I'd do without her. And I'm grateful for Jeff!  He has had a rough year, but he always keeps going, always tries to put a positive spin on everything, and always tries to take care of us.  I love these people and don't deserve them, but am so grateful they're mine.