I got a little help for this part of my post from my friend A. A. and Charles Schultz. 
It was particular timely because the last few days I struggled with staying positive and so writing this post is a good way of reminding myself of all I have to be thankful for. This week some things have happened that have left me disappointed and with a heavy heart at times. Most of the time, though not all, it was simply a case of emotions over intellect. To top that off, I am not feeling well and had to cancel a special day with two dear friends. With all the work involved in planning two Christmas celebrations, I was really looking forward to relaxing with my friends, revisiting a part of Cape Cod that is near and dear to me, seeing my friend’s home all decked out for Christmas, and while I am being honest ~ enjoying a meal someone else cooked. Now come on, even if you are like me and you like to cook and entertain family and friends, isn’t it a treat to let someone else do that for you? Isn’t it nice to let someone else set the table? Doesn’t it taste even better when someone else cooks ~ especially when it is one of your all time favs ~ lasagna? See why I am so bummed!!? But as I was sitting feeling sorry for myself, I was reminded of a blogging friend who has just had major life saving surgery. Now what I have is a minor illness and it will pass, and there will be many more good times with those friends in the future ~ God willing!
So honestly, I truly am counting my blessings and I am thankful for the friends that have been there for me this week and have lifted me up when I was down. They know who they are 
!!
Now on to those thankful thoughts and my friend A. A. …
You all know Charles Schultz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip, but most of you don’t know A. A came into my life when I was teaching at the preschool that was part of my life for a very long time. She was hired as an aide to help me and my co-teacher. From the get go I knew A had that very special innate ability to see the needs of others and her compassion for others that is so rare in this world. And she had boatloads of common sense and energy to boot. Just a powerful combination in the teaching field and invaluable when working with little ones. I had the pleasure of working with A for several years and when I became the Director I got to watch her grow and learn more about the Early Childhood field as she took the initiative to go to college to become an Early Childhood teacher. All this while tending to her dying husband and a son with Asperger’s syndrome. Her beloved husband lost his battle from cancer and she was left to raise her son alone. She did it all with such grace – she truly taught me the meaning of courage! To say I admire A is an understatement so when she sent me this, it touched me so and I knew it needed to be in my next post.
The Charlie Schulz Philosophy
You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them.
Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do? Not too well huh? Me either!
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies..
Awards tarnish..
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier? I sure hope so!
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money...or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.
I am thankful that A sent me this timely reminder to be thankful for the important people in my life.
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I am thankful that 18 months ago today, our lives were magically changed by the birth of of our grand daughter. I am thankful I get to hear and see her say “ I love you” to Bampee and I in her sweet little voice and that I get to feel those little hands patting my back as she hugs me.
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I am so very thankful that my friend Donna’s son is home safe and sound from Afghanistan finally! Thank you Ben for serving our country so bravely and honorably!! Wishing you and your family the most blessed Christmas!
If you want to leave a welcome home message to a true American hero, just stop by Donna’s blog ~HERE~.
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I am thankful for the pink sunsets we have enjoyed most days this past week and that the Nor'easter that was originally forecast for us is heading out to sea instead of dumping us with a lot of snow. I like a white Christmas as much as the next person, but a storm the week before Christmas can hurt small businesses and make travel dangerous for those traveling to see loved ones they might not see all year. And it just makes it miserable for the rest of us at a very hectic time of year.
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I am thankful Mr. Red Door and I have had a chance to spend time together shopping for and preparing for our two big family Christmas celebrations we host as is our tradition every year. For as long as I can remember, he had saved vacation time for the last weeks of the year and together we visit the butcher and order the prime rib roast for Christmas Day. We make a trip to the Swedish bakery for Christmas Breads, coffee cakes and other goodies, and then we head around the corner to the Gift Chalet to get our Swedish cheeses, sausage and Pepparkakor cookies for Swedish Christmas Eve. This year we also picked out a Swedish ornament to add to Liliana’s collection. At home, we make dozens and dozens of Swedish meatballs and wrap gifts together. Too many times the women shoulder the burden for holiday celebrations and I am thankful that my DH has always helped me. It certainly makes the season a lot more joyful and festive for me.
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I am thankful to Letter Carrier that put my box in plastic when he left it by the door.
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I am thankful for dear sweet friends that touched me with their kindness this week. Some with gifts and and one with a note that was a welcome as any gift I’d find under the tree. When someone reaches out with kind words and deeds, it can truly go a long way and have a lasting effect. Thank you friends!
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I am thankful for the long distance phone call with an old friend this week.
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As this is my last post before Christmas, I would like to leave you with this message..
Somewhere in the flurry of the season,
may we find time to think about that blessed
holy night that changed the world.
It is time to give thanks with all our hearts
that God so loved the world.
Joy to the World
Let the heavens rejoice,
and let the earth be glad...
Psalms 96:11
Thinking of you warmly and hoping you’ll be blessed by all the gentle wonders
of this holy season
Until next time~ Merry Christmas!
Grammee Linda
