Sunday Gratitudes

First of all I am grateful that my family had a safe and fun Independence Day celebration. Watching professional fireworks meant that no one had burned fingers this year. We had a great time being with my dear Auntie and Uncle who act as surrogate grandparents while ours are in the next state.

I'm grateful that I earned a 94/100 on my report rough draft in Technical Writing this past week. I only have minor changes to make before I submit it as my final report this weekend. There is no final exam. After this the class is done. While technical writing is not my favorite subject, I have enjoyed the learning process. Being able to go back to school has been such a blessing to me. This was my first Internet class and I missed the personal interaction between professor and students that comes with a regular classroom.

I'm thankful for the memories I've had this week of my grandparents. The smell from chopping up fresh dill for the potato salad reminded me of my Grandma S. In the grocery store parking lot I saw a gentleman who looked and dressed like my Grandpa S (all the way to the tractor ball cap) and was even driving the same make of Grandpa's old 'Hod truck (old Hod was Grandpa's nickname when he worked at Kennecott Copper). Standing at the barbecue reminded me of my Grandpa B who grilled the best steaks when he would come visit us when I was a child. I need to call my Grandma B and tell her how much I love her.

This week we found a huge sectional that worked for our house and fits everyone in our family. It is now in my family room. With our house in Utah finally sold, I can start decorating here. I'm grateful that we found a piece of furniture well within our price range. Now to start hanging art.

I am so thankful that we were able to get Medicaid for our daughter. Our insurance changed this month and doesn't cover nearly what it did before. Medicaid will enable us to continue her doctor visits to cardiology, rheumatology, get her yearly checks for leukemia and celiac, flu shots (at least I think it covers flu shots, I will have to see) and all the other medical things she requires. While her med issues are not nearly as great as Parker's, her insurance file in my file cabinet is more than twice as thick as the rest of the family put together.

I am grateful for this incredible country where my kids can go to school without the worry of affording tuition or uniforms. I'm grateful for clean water, garbage service, and reliable electricity. I'm thankful for medical services that have all the equipment and supplies they need. I'm thankful for police and fire departments. I am grateful that gas is affordable so I can drive to Utah to visit family without breaking the bank. I pray for our country every single day that our leaders will be wise and have integrity.