A Month of Thanks- Day 6

Retreats.

I am thankful for retreats. Today, I was able to chaperone our senior girls on their retreat. It was an interesting experience because I was not a participant or a facilitator; more of just a presence there today. I am thankful to see the girls interacting with each other and laughing. I am thankful for the chance to see them in an environment outside of the classroom. I am thankful for silly retreat games and serious discussions. I am thankful that I get to see these young women learn how much potential they have.

I am thankful for the retreats I have been able to attend in my life. I am thankful for the calm and contemplation they bring. I am thankful for the peace in my heart after a retreat and the rekindling of a fire to serve others.

A Month of Thanks- Day 5

My students.

Today I am thankful for my students. I am thankful for the hundreds of students I already know and thankful for the thousands I have yet to meet. I am thankful for their ingenuity and open minds. I am thankful that they have made me move out of my comfort zones and expand my own horizons. I am thankful that they make me continue learning for their sake, as well as my own. I am thankful when I see them become successful. I am thankful when I get an email from one of them telling me how awesome college is. I am thankful when I see one of them do a victory dance in the middle of class because they aced a test. I am thankful when I see one of my athletes throw a personal best and I am thankful when I see them congratulate an opponent who won. I am thankful that they love me for who I am and that they allow me to love them. I am thankful because as soon as they enter my classroom they become my child for life. I am thankful when they leave me little messages on my chalkboard or when they tell me I look nice. I am thankful when they see me in the store and say hello instead of hiding in the bread aisle. I am thankful when they don't lose their patience with me, even as I feel I am losing mine. I am thankful they allow me to be silly and to walk around in costumes (see nun picture) and speak in funny accents. I am thankful that I get to teach them. I am thankful they teach me so much more than they can ever know.

A Month of Thanks- Day 4

Life.

Today I am thankful for life, and for the fact that I do not take it for granted. Today, a student at the middle school I attended committed suicide. I can't imagine the pain of the family and friends, or the feelings of the other students and teachers there. I am thankful that there are people to help those affected through the pain, and I am thankful that I have this life to live and that I feel a purpose in doing what I am doing now. I am thankful that I am making choices in my life that make me happy and I am thankful that what I am doing may help save the life of another.

A Month of Thanks- Day 3

Friends.

I am thankful for friends who are there when you need them, and even when you just need to know someone is there to have your back. I am thankful for friends who have mom's that cook us a huge, Italian dinner and friends who call you when they know you need a pick-me-up. I am thankful for friends who laugh at stupid things with you and friends who hold you up when you feel like falling down. I am thankful for friends who know what you are going through and thankful for friends who are there to be a listening ear.

A Month of Thanks- Day 2

Music.

On day two of November, I am thankful for music. I am thankful that I can find a song for every emotion I have felt; from sadness to joy, from emptiness to a heart overflowing. I am thankful for the playlists I have created or the ones that my friends have sent to me. I am thankful for the songs that praise my Savior and for the ones that simply make me feel happy. I am thankful for the opportunities I have had to sing in choirs- starting in elementary school and continuing to church masses.

A Month of Thanks- Day 1

One day one of November, I am thankful for my health. November 1st is a day of recognition for juvenile diabetes. I have struggled a lot with this disease, but I still persevere and I am thankful that I live in a country where I can get access to medication and good doctors. I am thankful that we are getting closer to a cure and that I have people who love and support me on every step of the journey.