Grateful

I am thankful for my mother, who is selfless and giving; who loves her children with every ounce of her being; who would brave hell for those she loves.

I am thankful for my father, who embodies honesty and integrity; who would protect his family with his life.

I am thankful for my brother, who is kind and good-hearted; who would do anything for those close to him.

I am thankful for my friends. For Pollo, who is bursting with confidence. For Chuck, who adores his family. For Adriana, who made me laugh myself to sleep last night with her comment about mullets. For Melanie, who reminds me constantly that she loves me. For Laura, who lives her life by her rules alone. For Seana, who epitomizes strength. For Nancy & Alex, who live life to its fullest. For Austin, who is comprised of warmth and humor. For Dominique, who is made of kindness and sincerity. For Joe, who is filled with generosity. For Derek, who dances like no one's watching. For Ed, who laughs with his whole body. For Scott, for being absolutely unafraid of who he is.

I am thankful for my exes. For David, who knows exactly what unconditional love means. For Tom, whose heart is full of the best intentions.

I am thankful for the people I work with. For Bill, who makes decisions with no hesitation. For Betty, who listens without criticizing. For Lisa, who stands up for what she believes in.

I am thankful for everyone who reads my words; for the comments left, the good and the bad.

I am thankful for each and every insecurity I have; I am also thankful for my confidence. I am thankful for all of my contradictions and all of my assertions. I am thankful for my peccadilloes, my beliefs, my uncertainty.

I am thankful for pain, I am thankful for joy. I am thankful for heartache, I am thankful for love.

I am thankful for each breath I take in, each tear I shed.

I am thankful for each moment of my life.