LeAnn Rimes & GMCLA - The Rose

I listened to this song with new ears today; it's such an appropriate song to use when thinking of the LGBT youth who are struggling. Wow. This is powerful.

Much Thanks to be Giving

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. My mom is healthy, and we're all looking forward to a mighty fine Cookie Weekend! The rest of the family is healthy too; for that I'm very grateful.

I'm grateful Erika was able to make it home this year for the holidays, and proud of all she's accomplished. I know too that we were so lucky to be able to share that trip-of-a-lifetime to Greece; it was amazing! I'm grateful Peter is doing so well in school and in life, and I'm so happy he was able to join us this Thanksgiving week. And today, as every day, I'm so grateful to have Karen in my life. I have amazing friends and "family", and I know I'm lucky to have them in my life too. My cup doth runneth over!

I have a job, healthcare, a house, and food in the fridge. Beer too. I can travel, I've been able to see so many new things this year. I can read, write, and express myself in ways that others understand. I am allowed to vote, rant on this blog and on Facebook. I can write letters to the editor! I know how lucky I am, truly I do.

I've been listening to Hilary Rodham Clinton's autobiography, Living History, and I've been reminded of the history of the 1990's. In this year of rancid politics, it's given me hope. But it's reminded me too to be grateful for one more thing--intelligent leaders. And I am grateful. I'm grateful that our president is very smart--much smarter than me. That's how it should be. I'm grateful that he's traveled outside of our country, and I'm especially glad he's lived outside of this country--contrary to what some believe, the world DOES NOT revolve around the United States. We are not "it on a stick", and it's only to our benefit that our president knows this. And it's good that President Obama has hired others that share this world view. While there are some who are so narrow-minded and short-focused to believe that because they have all they need, screw the rest (yeah, I'm talking to the Tea Party), we need leaders who see beyond the tree to the rest of the forest. This year, I'm very grateful we still have them in power. And I'm hopeful, still very hopeful.