I am blessed

OK, get in some comfy clothes, grab a glass of wine (unless YOU'RE one of the ones who think I need an intervention) and be prepared to sit for quite a while.
First, I need to brag a teeny bit. Son #3 made it as a pole vaulter onto the track team. He's very proud (I'm trying to figure out a way to make him wear a helmet -- which horrifies him).
Second, on Daughter #1's acceptance into Harvard --- they only took 4 people. Awesome.
OK, on to why I am blessed.
1. I have a God who's love is so big he sent His son to die for me. I have grace.
2. I experienced more love in 27 years than many women have in a lifetime. Jim gave me a lifetime supply of love and it will last.
3. I have an amazing eldest daughter. She's smart and beautiful and sensitive and deep. She is dry and witty and passionate. She is very proud of being so very much like Jim now and yet she has no idea how very much like me she is (nor does she want to know!).
4. I have an awesomely unique daughter #2. She is, and always has been, her very own person --in spite of being an identical twin. Just having that experience was a huge blessing all by itself. She, too, is sensitive and funny and passionate and beautiful. And not afraid to be who God created her to be. And she loves Africa -- more than anyone knows.
5. I have a loving and fabulous and beautiful daughter #3. She loves God and knows without a doubt that she is a daughter of the King and she lives it. She is passionate about people and that is a gift.
6. I have an eldest son who did not far fall from the tree. In fact, he just rolled down the trunk and sat on a root. I truthfully don't know what I would have done "before" and "after" without him. He has the best sense of humor of anyone I know. He can truly laugh with others and at himself. Also, a gift.
7. I have a sensitive and loving Son #2, who has a huge heart and loves children and cares for people deeply. He is still finding himself and trying to be so very different from the rest of us. The funny thing is, he isn't so different at all and I hope one day he's comfortable with that. He loves me a lot.
8. I have a a wonderful Son #3 who is truly a gift from God. He's smart and loving and fun. He sometimes stays in the shadows but never complains. He has been special to me since the day he was born.
9. I have parents who have always loved and supported me. They did the best job that they could and, as a parent, I know that is huge.
10. I had an extra set of parents who also loved me and were there for me if I needed them, even though they lived far away. Even if I wasn't very loving.
11. I have siblings who would do anything for me. And visa versa.
12. I have the most amazing friends on the face of the earth. All over the earth (and on that note: some of you have mentioned that you wonder about coming to see me, but that you are not in my "circle" of friends. Here's what I've always thought to be true but now in the "after" know without a doubt: if God puts someone on your heart or mind, call them. Or send a card or drop by for a visit. Do not hesitate. My "circle" had grown much bigger and a person can never have too many friends. If you're thinking about me I want to know it and I want you to sit with me, if you can. Just sit. And maybe (probably) laugh. Please.)
13. I have a church family who means more to me than they could possibly know.
14. I get to "work" with people I love and who love me. Deeply.
15. My children are healthy and intelligent and love God.
16. My children had the most amazing father.
17. My children know what true love is. They know that marriage can be difficult sometimes but amazingly wonderful most of the time. They know that "till death do us part" is an oath before God and is very possible. And they know that sometimes even death doesn't part.
18. I have in-laws who have loved my like their very own daughter/sister.
19. The "black" is getting lighter.
20. I get to play tennis.
21. I don't have to shovel snow.
22. I am loved -- by too many people to count.
23. I am my Grandmother's "favorite" (or so she says --- she probably says that to all of us, as I do to my children. Shhhh).
24. I have a husband who loved to take care of me and did an amazing job. He is still doing an amazing job.
25. My husband loved God and me and his children more than anything.
26. My husband showed my children how important it is to do your best -- in your family, in your job and in your community.
27. God let me go to Kenya.
28. Jim never failed to support me in whatever I did. Even when he didn't want to.
29. I still don't have to cook dinner (and even though the "calendar" ends at the end of February I have people telling me they'd like to continue doing this. You can do it for as long as you'd like. Please.).
and .... even though it doesn't always seem like a blessing -----
30. I'm still here.