Day three of the gratitude challenge and we are to write about something we feel grateful for in our life.

Today I am grateful for my immediate family. My family includes my wonderful husband, David, who is incredibly thoughtful and does so much for me. He is a gentle man, a trustworthy man, a funny man. I am confident in his love for me. Not only do I love him, but I like him. Marrying him almost 20 years ago was the best thing I ever did.

My fur children Buffy and Willow

Our animal children, who allow me to shower them with all my maternal love and attention. Our two dogs and two cats are the most beautiful animals on the planet. Their distinct personalities never cease to make me laugh and bring me to a place of genuine appreciation. They are loving, smart, and are amazingly communicative. They bring me incredible joy.

My Mom, who is a beautiful and powerful spirit, has taught me so much. She’s incredibly talented and creates beautiful things as an artist. She is also an artist in the kitchen, making delicious and wonderful foods that set the bar in taste for me. She taught me about nutrition and gave me my appreciation of beauty in form and function. She gave to me an appreciation of nature and animals. She gave to me strength of will and character.

My step-Father, who is one of the most brilliantly creative people I know. He finds joy in even the smallest of things. And he loves my mother and is a wonderful life partner for her.

My half-brother, Richard, who is so different from me in appearance and beliefs, yet we find enjoyment in each other’s company. He is extremely funny and bright. He’s an awesome dad and husband. His wife, Susan, is the best thing that ever happened to him. With her he is gentle. With her he is at peace. And their incredibly beautiful daughter Abby is a gift to this planet. I love watching her grow and turn into the person she is to become.

My half-brother Ashley, who I met for the first time in 28 years just two weeks ago. He is the brother who looks like me and who has the same positive outlook and strong sense of faith. He has an incredible family and has been an amazing dad and provider. I am so grateful for the opportunity to get to know him.

My father, who gave me my love for writing, and my determination to create loving relationships and to take care of myself–body, mind, and spirit. So much of the good that I have allowed into my life springs out of what I learned that I wanted when I was a kid. For that, I am very grateful.

Family matters to me. And I love them–and all the brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews on David’s side of the family.

My family has not been perfect. In fact, when I was a child, it has downright hard. But as I have grown and evolved into the person that I am, it has been so wonderful to not only love them because they are family, but to pay attention to the reasons why I also am grateful for them.

What can you appreciate about your family today?

Together we can do it!