Happy Thanksgiving from The Carters

2008…. A year of change and adjustment, a year of ups and downs, a year of letting go and growing up, a year of answered prayers and unmeasured love. There are so many things that I am thankful for this holiday season.

I am thankful that the Lord blessed me with the most amazing family anyone could ask for. A husband who loves me even when I’m not too lovable and who works as much overtime as he can so that I can stay home with our precious Chinese princess. I am thankful that we have a warm place to live and plenty of food to eat. I know there are so many this year who are not as fortunate. I pray that the changes our country is anticipating will be for the better and that those who are hopeless this year will find hope in the year ahead.

Even though there will be an empty chair at our Thanksgiving table this year, I am so thankful for the family at Goodfellow Air Force base who is providing a Thanksgiving meal for my soldier and his friends. I am thankful that he is safe and sound and not sleeping in a tent in the sand with a gun always at his side. And I am thankful for the ones that are and I pray for their safety and for their families everyday. I am thankful for webcams and cell phones and for that text message at 11 o’clock that says “Nite mamma. I love you”. And I am so very thankful that he will be home for Christmas.

I am thankful that my middle child, the one that makes me laugh and can talk me into almost anything with his smile, is healthy and happy and that the Lord watches out for him when he’s on the road. I am thankful that on his break at the Piggly Wiggly, he calls me just to see what we are doing and he’s always good about letting me know where he is when he’s out and about. I’m thankful for his free-spirit and sense of humor and his carefree attitude. I pray he hangs on to those qualities for as long as he can.

And my Lily Mei….oh my sweet Lily Mei. I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed our family with this angel straight from heaven. I am thankful for her smile and her laugh and her hugs and kisses. I am thankful she loves music and dancing. I am thankful that I am the one who kisses her boo-boos and puts up her piggy tails. I am thankful that I get to hear her sing Jesus Loves Me and Twinkle Star while she twirls around the living room. I am thankful that she has now been home with us longer than she was in an orphanage in China and I am thankful for the ayis that took care of her while she was there. I am especially thankful for the woman who gave her life and I am so blessed that I was chosen to give her love.

I am thankful for my Auntie, Nunk and Joy. I am thankful that they love us and would do anything for my children. I am especially thankful this year, that they are finally getting their dream house. I am thankful for the man at Woodland Homes who made it all possible and for the contractor and the workers who have worked so hard to make it completely wheelchair accessible. I am thankful for the happiness and excitement I see in their faces every time they talk about their new house.

And I am thankful for all of you….friends near and far…who have blessed us this past year with your love and friendship. I am thankful for the encouraging cards and emails you have sent to both me and David. I am so very thankful for your prayers for my boy. I am thankful that Lia Faith will be in her mommy’s arms at Christmas and that Noah and Lily P. and Lily O. and Ellie and Candace and Johnathan are finally home. I am thankful that things are moving along for our dear friends, Tim and Tina, and Heather and Bill and that Reed and Calliandra will be home very soon. I pray for all our friends who are still waiting to bring their babies home and for all the children who still wait for their forever families. I am thankful to have been able to get to know each and every one of you. Your friendship has been such a blessing to us all.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!