My Thanksgiving thankfulness

This is a year that I have much to be thankful for. God has given me so many blessings. He never ceases to amaze me! I thought I would share a few new things I'm thankful for, including Thanksgiving itself.

This is a year I will remember forever. The most important day of my life happened in 2011, I was married. I became a wife to a devoted, loving, funny, very special man. For this, I am eternally thankful.

I am thankful that, with this marriage, comes a whole new family to me. I have another Dad, brother, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. And all of them have welcomed me into their family with open arms & hearts. They have been so kind and loving. I had the honor of spending Thanksgiving with some of them, and it was awesome! I will never be able to fully show my gratitude to Brad for bringing all of these amazing people into my life. To the Meyer's, Haske's, Ginter's and Gasch's: I am so thankful for all of you. And I am so blessed to be able to be around each of you.

God also blessed me with overcoming a huge struggle. As some of you know, I have dealt with depression & anxiety for several years. Anxiety has usually been the stronger of the two evils for me...until this year. I faced several months of heart-numbing depression. It was very difficult. Not just for me, but for my family & friends as well. They had to deal with me not being myself and tip-toe around my emotions to try to help me. I am extremely happy to say that, with the help of counseling, the support of my family & friends, and my biggest fan, my husband, I have overcome some of those darkest days. I know depression is not something that is "healed," but I feel I have made progress, and that is a big deal to me.

I am thankful for the friends who have shined this year. Ashley & Ann, you are admirable women who have been in my life for over a decade now! (Are we getting old?!) You have stood by my side through thick & thin, always there for me. I know I can come to you for anything, whether it be advice, to vent, the camaraderie, or for a good laugh! I know we will be true friends forever. Long live AAA! :) I love you both.

I am thankful for my Taylor family. Dad, Mom, Melissa, Andy & Dan: you are my blood, my most fond memories, my core, the reason I am who I am today. Thank you for loving me always. I love you all so much, I could never express it in words. 

Finally, I must thank God. You have listened to my prayers, comforted my heart when it is hurting, given me strength, taught me lessons, and you are shaping me into the women you & I want me to be. For all of these things, and the hundreds of other things I didn't mention: THANK YOU, FATHER! You are my Savior, my strength, and my love.

Here's to a wonderful Holiday season! May God bless you & yours!