While staring at the clock at 4:11 a.m. one morning, I decided that I should start my days by (no matter how corny it seems) counting my blessings. I lead a very charmed life. I'm healthy and happy. I live a very comfortable lifestyle, and basically want for nothing. Perhaps I should spend more time positively contemplating my wealth rather than fretting over things I cannot control. So with that in mind I'm starting a list of things I'm grateful for.
First I'm grateful for Pam, my partner in all things sane and insane. It is very humbling to have to depend on another human to totally care for you--to feed you, to dress you, to drive you halfway across the country, etc. I have been there, and when I was there so was Pam. Pam who, after spending 7 hours with me in an emergency room (when I broke my ankle), followed the moving van to unload our belongings at our new house 10 hours away while I slept on a borrowed couch in a pain pill induced stupor. Pam who has made a complete cat person out of a devoted dog lover and who adopted my dogs like they were her own. Pam who on occasion takes my hand, reminds me to breathe, and then jumps off a cliff with me. Pam who challenges me, supports me, and makes me laugh. Pam who has given so much of herself to be part of my life and so beautifully shares her life with me. For her I am thankful.
Secondly I'm thankful for my family. Most of you are scattered around central and east Arkansas and northern Mississippi. My parents who are in their young 70's and are just beginning to settle into retirement. I am thankful that you are willing to continue growing and seeking new adventures whether it's relocating to a new city or learning to navigate the internet or just admiring the new flowers springing up in your garden. My niece and nephew have become such amazing young adults with families of their own. I couldn't be prouder of the choices they are making.
I'm also thankful for my Lady Vol family. 99.9% of whom I have never met but on any given day thousands of whom will join me in cheering for undeniably the greatest women's collegiate basketball team and organization in the country. These are fans who are perhaps more proud of the 100% graduation rate of our players than of the 8 national championships. This is a fan base that will travel half way across the country to fill the stand with orange--many times in larger numbers than the home team. These are the people who stand and applaud a competing coach who soundly beat us yet because they know what she has meant to the game of women's basketball. These are the people who will honk and wave enthusiastically at your car on a freeway hundreds of miles from home when they see your Lady Vol license plate. My glass is raised in a special familial toast to you all.
