Day 20 in Gratitude

I was listening to NPR today as they reported these numbers: The number of unemployed persons decreased by 556,000 to 14.5 million in December, and the unemployment rate dropped to 9.4 percent. Over the year, these measures were down from 15.2 million and 9.9 percent,respectively. I guess one would say these numbers hold some hope that things are turning around. I personally feel they are but as my readers already know, I am an optimist. The unemployment rate fell by 0.4 percentage point to 9.4 percent in December of 2010. The fact remains, these numbers are staggering, shocking and unacceptable. More and more people go to bed hungry, cold and without any jobs to sustain them. For those of you who have jobs whether menial or with prestige, I encourage you to count your blessings. I was without work for almost a year, my husband has been unemployed now for one year and actively continues to look. Currently I have been employed for 4 months and for that, every morning I say THANK YOU GOD.

I am grateful for my health. I have many friends and acquaintances who are struggling to hold on to theirs. What some go through on a daily basis while battling their illness; pain, uncertainty, sickness and fear I pray for your comfort. I wake every morning and forget how healthy I actually am. My feet keep holding me up, my eyes see, my heart beats normally and my breath goes without any guidance. For all that, I am truly thankful.

On a lighter note, For Christmas this year my three boys bought my husband and I tickets to see Wicked.
"A breathtaking success story, of a magnitude the theater has not witnessed since the peak years of 'The Phantom of the Opera' ~ The Washington Post.
"This musical has it all in one 'WICKED' brilliant package, women together with memorable music, clever lyrics, and a heavy dose of humor." ~ Boston Globe.
We were blown away. The best play I've ever seen, my husband enjoyed it thoroughly. You want to skip out of the theater humming the songs with a huge smile on your face. Thank you guys, what a wonderfully thoughtful Christmas gift, we loved every minute of it!

What are you grateful for?