Grateful

Spring break is a few days away and I am already making plans of how I am going to get caught up and who I am going to get caught up with.

This weekend I was able to go camping with my troop, and it gave me a chance to reflect on how extremely grateful I am.

I am grateful to my parents. They raised me to understand the value of hard work, being kind, and always looking for a way to help.  They instilled in me the importance of trying my best and making a difference in the world.  

I am grateful to my husband.  We might not always see eye, but he is the first one to encourage me to be me (which is not always easy) He has stood beside me on all my crazy adventures and supported me as I have gone through my various career stages.

I am grateful for the amazing friends I have. From Destination ImagiNation team managers, to next door neighbors, to work friends, to library friends, to friends I found because I stalked them, to breakfast buddies, to families I have worked with, and so many more people I surround myself.  I am grateful for you.  Each person I come in contact with has helped me become the person I am today. I am grateful that you listen to me, give me advice, let me cry and rejoice in life itself.

I am so grateful for so many people.. but I think I am most grateful for Troop 1810.  I know I talk about Girl Scouts a ton (I mean.. I have been one for almost 35 years!)  But these girls that are now 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders are so much a part of my life.. and I am so grateful for that. 

When William and I finally decided that after 10 years of trying to not have kids of our own, I was worried.  I was worried that I would not have the same opportunities that moms have.  I was worried that I would not be able to do things that I had done with my own family growing up such as camping, ceremonies, and various traditions.  I was worried that I would never have the opportunity to share some of my own stories or my own memories.  But, almost 4 years ago I had the opportunity to start the third generation of Troop 1810. Now, every Girl Scout troop is a little different, but I have to say that Troop 1810 is EXACTLY what I needed.  I am grateful that these girls allow me to be their leader. I am grateful that the families allow me to be involved in their lives. I am most grateful that these moms allow me into their fold. I know that I probably never have kids biologically but I am grateful for the conversations and the opportunities that you give me.  This weekend I loved spending time around the adult table at camp while the girls ate and just talking with the moms. I am grateful for the opportunities that this troop gives me to create memories that I might not otherwise get to have not having kids of my own. Thank you! I know that Troop 1810 will grow and shrink over the years, but these times I have already had I would not change them for the world, and I hope that the girls always understand that.

I look forward to making plans during spring break to hang out with some of the people that I am so grateful for.  Thank you for being you and allowing me to be a part of your life.