by Paula Megginson

Created on: January 24, 2009   Last Updated: January 27, 2009

What do I have to be thankful for? I could spend a mountain of time complaining. I could spend a mountain of time crying over past mistakes or I could spend equal time rejoicing over the things I have learned. Many Experiences I have had in my 52 years of life. Some I believe no human should have ever had, yet each one has served to create in me who I really am today.

I could look back at my youth, when hopscotch was the "in" game, or at the times when a trip to the local playground was like "gold" to me. I could look at the times when I was punished for things I did not do or at the times when I could have saved my own skin and chose to be quiet thinking they would know I was innocent and redeem me. I could look at the times I felt violated and abused even by those I thought loved me the most, or I could look at what motivation it all gave me to press on and still exist.

I have a great deal to be thankful for and this article could never tell it all. I am thankful for the times I had that made me cry, because as i remembered those awful moments I learned what not to do again. I have learned that history has a habit of repeating itself and I have the power to change it's out come by how I receive or perceive what happens to me. i am thankful for every tear I shed doing those tough times because they made me examine who I am and why this came my way. They caused me to decide the amount of control I had over me in that situation. Those tears had the power to keep me or kill me. I am still STANDING!

I am thankful for the choices I have made in life that I regret making, simply because the out come has given me a story to tell. They have taught me what to teach some one I see who is heading down the same path I once was on. I am thankful for the eagle eye vision those choices gave me. Because of their outcome I see things in a totally different light. I am thankful for the love I have learned to have for all those who were involved in my bad choices, people who misunderstood my motives and caused me much pain. I had to learn to forgive them especially when they really did not understand how they had hurt me. I had to learn to see them where they are and keep going on. I had to learn to Keep On Standing. I am still STANDING!

I am thankful for the love of my children who have endured with me through some of the toughest times in our lives. times that cold have been prevented if not for my own selfish pride. They loved me in the midst of it all and when they found out it was my fault they forgave me with time and still love me no matter. They yearned for a special relationship with me even when I was not capable of giving them what they needed at that time. They hung in there and loved me through it all. I ain't complain. I am not perfect by a long shot. But they still love me and guess what ? I am Still STANDING!

I am thankful for this and a whole lot more!

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