My life has been wonderful. Full of choices good and bad. Unforgettable experiences that I've changed me and made me the woman that I am today. Filled with love and heart ache, joy and sorrow, frustration and peace. What's crazy is I am grateful for all that I've experienced.
I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. The foundation that it has given me. It defines me. It is who I truly am when I live by its precepts. I'm grateful for the atonement and for my savior. Through the hard times he has walked by my side and sometimes carried me and even dragged me out of a pit of darkness. I know without any doubt that I am a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father who is mindful of me, my needs, my longings and hears and answers my prayers.
I am most grateful for the people in my life who have been my teachers and have let me be theirs.
I am grateful for two wonderful parents who have loved and supported me endlessly. I'm grateful for their examples. Even when they did not agree with my choices they never gave up on me.
I am grateful for six amazing siblings, four sisters and two brothers who I count as my dearest friends. I've never laughed more than when I'm with these people. Gordon, Jenny, Bridget, Patrick, Katie and Rebecca, I know that it was part of God's plan for us to be brothers and sisters. Thanks for loving me and letting me be the cool aunt to your children.
I'm thankful for my siblings spouses.
My sister-in-law Kristine who is like another sister to me as well as a trusted friend. I love our talks.
My sister-in-law Diane who had always offered sound advice and during my darkest hours pled with me to remember my worth and to, "re open my spiritual eyes". It took me a while, but they are open now. Thanks for being persistent and patient.
My 3 brothers-in law for loving my sisters and putting up with our crazy family.
I am thankful for Paul, who is my husband and best friend. Thanks for choosing me to work toward forever with. My life is amazing and rich with you. Because of you I know what true love is. I love the life we are building together.
I've been blessed to have countless friends who have changed me for good.
My childhood best friend Dana Hall Bera, we had some amazing times. I'll never forget running through the sprinklers at the center and going hooky bobbing in the winter time. All the awesome times at girls camp and in young womens. We may have drifted apart but I am grateful for those times. It seems like when we get together no time has even passed by.
My high school amigas: Fiona I'll never forget that night after play practice, our first heart to heart. The first of many. I'm glad we're still such good friends. You are a wonderful wife and mother and I am so lucky they call you my friend.
Liz who is never afraid to speak her mind and call me out on my crap and asks the hard questions nobody else will. I always know where I stand with you. Everyone needs a friend like you.
My cousin and Bestie Craig. We've tried to figure it out many times when it was that we became such good friends. I don't even care and it doesn't matter. You helped me through some of the hardest times of my life. I can't imagine my life without you and our time as roomies. Cousins by birth besties by choice.
My BFF Jenna B. who is my voice of reason who helps me see things from a different perspective. Who trusted me to help her raise little Millie for those first years. I can never thank you enough for letting me be her Yaya. You are a gift in my life and so is Amelia.
Valerie and Chelsea. Wow, I was so young and Valerie trusted me with her baby girl. This baby girl is now an amazing woman and about to become a mommy herself. I'm so proud of the woman you are Chels.
My Alaska buddies: these ladies are ones I am positive I was supposed to meet.
Carrie is my Alaska bestie. I first met Carrie on Thanksgiving. I've had dinner at the Johnson's the last two years at their orphan turkey day dinner. We talked but didn't quite connect then I was assigned to be her visiting teacher and her husband Taft and Paul became buddies. Since then we've become bossom sisters. Camping trips, double dates, family outings, Dancing With the Stars nights, just dinner and more. Carrie took care of me the night after my emergency surgery when Paul was gone. I can never repay her for being there when I needed her most. I love this lady.
Alicia was one of my very first friends in Alaska. I'm so grateful for the connection that we have. She was my visiting teacher and my friend. You are an inspiration to me. Thanks for watching Luna when we need you to as well.
Tina who invited me to her girls nights and from there we became fast friends. I love her kiddos too. Thanks for keeping tabs on me.
Jennifer who before she was my boss, introduced me to all the great restaurants in the valley and in Anchorage and took me shopping. She also introduced to me to lots of her awesome friends. Jen made sure I had a place to go my first Thanksgiving in Alaska when Paul was on the slope. So grateful we met.
Tara Styers who honks when she drives past my house and sincerely asks how I'm doing. She is kinda a mom in Alaska but more a dear friend.
Arin my buddy from Valley Eye Associates who's also from Utah. We've had many a heart to heart and been gym buddies too. So grateful for her.
My girls at Lucas Chiropractic: Shianne, Rachel, Samantha, Michelle, Savannah, Alicia and Jen make life fun in a daily basis. So glad I get to work with my friends. Dr Lucas is pretty great too.
For all of the bosses through the years: Vicki at Morris Air, Lucy in Connecticut, Cat at Brumby's, April at Northwest Middle School, Leslie at Thyssen-Krup Elevators, (boss) at the title company, Laura at Partlow Investment Properties, Bryce at Comprehensive Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Patsy at Valley Eye Associates, Jen and Dr Lucas at Lucas Chiropractic. I have learned so much.
Life is about learning. My life is not really how I imagined it would be as a young girl. I never thought I would marry and then divorce, be single for 6ish years and then marry again. I never thought I would be turning 40 and not have children of my own. Never in a million years did I imagine I would be living in Alaska on a one acre lot with a dreamy red head and a sweet wiener dog. I didnn't think I would be surrounded by amazing people who inspire me daily and be able to do what I'm passionate about; massage therapy is one of my greatest passions.
I am grateful and I love my life.
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