The Green Horseman

In the United States, millions of families are gathering to enjoy a roasted bird and a tableful of delicious food. We all use this day to give thanks for the wonderful things in our lives that bring us joy. As a rule, I give thanks daily, but this day is a special day that helps us think harder about our blessings.

This year I have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for where our healthcare is currently and hopeful that it will continue to progress. Thanks to our current healthcare my father was able to get treated for cancer. His amazing doctors and team communicated from Maine to Boston and this fall he had a clean CT scan. Of course, it was made possible by my amazing family who helped him with appointments, talking to doctors, and more. I’m grateful to have such a great family.

I’m grateful for the family at Hospitality Homes who generously gave me a safe comfortable place to lay my head while Dad was in the hospital in Boston for surgery. The “medical” rate at the local hotel was estimated to be over $300/night and I was staying for 7-10 days. Thanks to this family I had a place to stay and for free with a donation to the organization. The donation helps pay for families who cannot stay at host homes due to medical reasons. I’m thankful for my company, who matched my donation to Hospitality Homes to make a bigger impact.

I’m so grateful for my boyfriend, Zac, who helped me in so many ways (and still does of course) while I recover from my injury in June. Some of the smallest tasks seemed insurmountable without his help. Feeding horses, filling water troughs….hell…even getting in the shower.

I’m grateful for my friends, who rescued me from myself while I was down and out. I don’t idle well and my head can be a dark place. I had a few friends who came over to bring lunch and chat. Suzanne especially who got me gimpy bottom out of the house a few times.

I’m grateful for my job…despite being aggravated by so many things about the company’s decisions it is a great place to work. Because of their flexibility, I was able to work from home while I supported my dad, and as I recovered from my surgeries. I didn’t need to take leave or disability. That’s pretty amazing since those options pay a fraction of my regular income.

I’m grateful for my animals…who all know true love. I miss Kain but I’m grateful for the time we had and for the vets who were able to lay him to rest peacefully at home. For Bardi, who loves being a farm dog (as well as the family who trusted him to us many years ago). For Miss, who had become a serious cuddlebug. For our hens who have provided us eggs and entertainment. For Tiger, who is a serious athlete and an incredible horse. I still am in awe of him and love watching him and Suzanne work together. For Nahe, who is my emotional support horse, is my sanity and is always ready for a cuddle and a laugh. For Stanley, who’s been with me for a year now and has shown incredible growth over that period. I’m so looking forward to our bright future.

I’m grateful for my trainers who guide me as I train Stanley. It’s because of them that we’ve come so far already.

I’m grateful to veterinarians who have helped with all of our creatures this year…we lost the pony. We lost Kain. We lost a hen. Stanley was sick for a while. Our veterinarians helped make everything easier no matter what we were facing.

I’m simply grateful. The people at my farm. The groups I’m involved with. My customers who support Wahbee’s Woodworking. You, my readers.

I practice gratitude every day, but today I am overwhelmed and renewed with a sense of appreciation as I dedicate this day to giving thanks for every aspect of this blessed life. Here’s to you, cheers!