"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
- John F. Kennedy
I have a feeling this post won't get quite the same response as my last one, after all, people would rather read the juicy stuff than the mushy. But, nevertheless, I think this post tops the last one cause I get to brag a little about what I'm most thankful for- and that is my family.
As we get closer to Thanksgiving, I'm reminded of the many blessings in my life. While I am a firm believer in the "live every day as if it were thanksgiving" I do think this is a special time of year to step back and really evaluate just how wonderful we all have it.
I'll be honest. This semester has not been easy for me, and by no means was it anything I expected. I figured I'd come back, slide right back into the routine of school and RA stuff- I'd be great friends with the people on my hall, breeze through classes, and spend the majority of my time with my friends. Let's just say, not one of those is even close to being true. Classes have basically kicked me around until I'm bruised and sleep deprived, I know very few of my residents, and I think I see my friends on average twice a week at lunch and at CRU. My "fun" weekends are staying inside and watching Netflix and lots of football. Dickson? Ain't nobody got time or money to get dressed up and go out... Despite it all, I know God's teaching me a lot and I'm so thankful for every hurdle that only reminds me that the only thing I can ever really count on in life is God, as well as the loving family he's placed in my life. So, in light of Thanksgiving and in the unexpected trials of this semester, I'm especially thankful for my family. Buckle up, here goes nothing. :)
My Dad: What can I say about my dad. When you get us both in a room, you begin to see where I get my ability to talk... and talk... and talk... as well as my spunky personality. But what can I say? It's what I love most about him! I'm thankful for a dad who is always available to listen and offer advice. All the times I've called him in a near panic, tears, and otherwise out of sorts, he's been there with words of wisdom, to answer my questions and assure me that God's got it under control. I'm thankful he's the leader of our family. That he loves my mom unconditionally and will do anything for his family. I'm thankful that he'd be willing to drop his Saturday plans and come up to visit me for a day just because I asked. I'm thankful that every time he's in Fayetteville we always get Bliss Cupcakes... let's face it. I'm addicted. I'm thankful that he is the dad I get to look up to.
My Mom: You know how you hear people say, "sweetest lady I know" in reference to their moms? People say that, but I'm pretty sure mine takes the cake. Her caring heart is something I appreciate so much but fail to tell her time and time again. Just yesterday I was so stressed and on the verge of tears and with one text from my mom, I immediately felt at ease. Her constant support, encouragement (bible verses and prayers every morning... I mean, come on guys. That's awesome), and love is overwhelming. I'm thankful for her quiet confidence that God will do what he has promised and her steady faith. It is such an example to me, who, as everyone has probably seen, is not so steady all the time. I'm thankful for her putting up with my antics... and the emotional roller coaster I'm sure I put her through. I'm thankful for her wisdom and that I can talk to her about anything and know she won't judge me, but will be a constant friend. I'm thankful that she shares my love of wine and we discover new kinds together. I'm thankful that I get to call her my mum.
My Brother: Bry Bry as I like to call him. Or Brudder Bryan. Whatever tickles my fancy at the time, and what I feel won't annoy him too much. Man, I couldn't ask for a better big brother. I look at his life and only hope that I can find the kind of happiness he has with his wife and my nephew dog. I'm so thankful for the godly example he is to me, and I appreciate how he loves the Lord and loves his wife. It gives me hope that there's some guy out there for me who can do the same. I'm thankful for his sense of humor. He can always make us laugh, no matter what. And he's so good at making things into a joke, you never really feel like he's picking on you ;). I'm thankful for his interest and investment in my life. I'm thankful for his love of the Razorbacks and his support of me no matter what I do. I'm thankful for his texts that pretty much make my day whenever I get them. I'm thankful for his stories about fly fishing and dissecting bodies... I think I've learned more from him than from some of my classes this semester! More than anything, I'm just thankful he's MY brother!
My Sister: My Er-Bear. My Dallas livin', DTS workin', stud of a sister! She may be tiny, but I have no doubt she could pretty much take me out if she wanted to. I'm so glad we moved past those awkward years where we hated each other because I definitely like having her as my best friend way better. I am particularly thankful for my sister these past few months. When it's felt like I don't have any "best friends" in Fayetteville, Erin has always there for me. Even when I texted a simple "I'm frustrated" at 11 at night, she immediately responded with "call me." Her sense of humor inspires me. People ask where I get my jokes, I immediately say Erin. They don't call her the PUNisher for nothing... :) I'm thankful for her love, support, and wisdom. No matter what I'm dealing with she's always there pushing me towards the Lord and giving me solid advice. I'm thankful for her willingness to punch whoever offends me (not that I've needed it yet, but it's nice to know she offers!) I'm thankful for her excitement about life. I'm thankful that I have such a good role model to look up to- someone who is faithful and wise. Someone I constantly aim to be like. I'm thankful that she owns and proudly rocks a wolf sweatshirt... I'm not really sure why. I just think that makes her about the coolest sister anyone could have. I'm thankful that she's all mine.
My Sister in law: Don't think I was gonna leave you out of this Amanda! I'm so thankful my brother found you! Your are such a sweet addition to our family, and I'm beyond blessed that God has given me another sister to love. I'm so thankful for you support of my brother and the love you show him. I'm so thankful for your perseverance in looking for jobs, moving, etc. and how open you are to new adventures. I'm thankful I got to be with you when you got to discover the greatest state on earth- Minnesota. :) I'm thankful for your encouragement and thoughtful heart. Your letters and gifts speak volumes to me (I'm kind of a words of affirmation/gifts love languages girl so you hit that sport on!). I'm so thankful to have a fellow Razorback lover... because we all know, Bryan just doesn't love them like we do. I'm thankful for you being an Abramovitz.
We're not perfect. I mean, Christmas tree and Christmas lights... does any family ever NOT fight while putting those up?! But, we do love each other. We're there for each other, and we have God at the center of our family. What can I say?! I think I lucked out when I was born the youngest Abramovitz. Thanks for the great last name, dad, and thank you family for the great years we've had. Here's to more adventures together, starting with Thanksgiving in just one short week! Can't wait!
Till next time,
Jacks
