Simple Blessings

Unfortunately, I missed blogging the past few weeks due to a hectic trial schedule and travelling. I visited Costa Rica for work and appreciated being able to get away and enjoy the splendor of nature. I usually write my blogs based on the underlying theme of the episode, but in light of the Thanksgiving holiday, I am going to write about the things I am most thankful for. Sometimes, in our struggle to capture that next big thing, we overlook our simple blessings; it is those simple blessings that make life worth living. I am most thankful for my family, friends and life.

November has been a struggle for me for several years because it marks the death of my two best friends. Experiencing the loss of these two beautiful people, whose lives were shortened by tragedy, has made me realize that there is nothing more important than family and friends. I am thankful for the role they played in my life, and the impact that their lives and love has had on me. 

During this week's episode, my son was born. Although television made the birth seem short and sweet, I was actually in intense labor for three days prior to my Caesarean Section; I experienced some very frightening moments. There were times when uncertainty got the best of me, and I feared the worst. So I sit here now grateful that my son and I survived.  Moreover, I appreciate my wonderful husband and supportive mother who never left my side.

I am blessed to have true girlfriends who prayed with me and encouraged me throughout my pregnancy, despite all the obstacles. I am so very grateful for each of them. In addition to my loving family and friends, I am richly blessed with amazing supporters whose random acts of kindness make me appreciate life even more. For instance, today my son received a thoughtful gift from Susan Brown, whom I have never personally met.  Thank you Susan, I am humbly appreciative of your generosity. As I prepare to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends, I am thankful for the abundance of love in my life and look forward to what matters the most -- simple moments of pleasure with my loved ones. Oprah Winfrey once said, "Be thankful for what you have, and you will end up with more. But if you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." I thank God that I am full of praise and my heart is overflowing with gratitude. I pray everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving! 

This blog is dedicated to the memory of Angela "NeNa" Thomas Bryant and Shakir Stewart.