The Thanksgiving post

I am thankful for my family.

My Mom


and my Brother


We are a small but loving family. We've had a really rough year. Through it all, we have always been able to look to each other for support and encouragement. For the first time this holliday season, we are all very far away from each other, but our love and committment to each other is not diminished by time or distance.

I am thankful for my "other" family, the Flores'.

Syl, Heather and Taban, my other siblings. My life is so much richer with them in it.
Syl Sr. and Teresa of course, the kinds of friends you can't afford to be without. They stood by me when others would have run, and saw me through the toughest year of my life with complete love and unwavering support. I love the Flores' with all my heart and soul.


I am thankful for my students. These kids kept me going when nothing else could. Each and every one of them is remarkable. Their futures glow with promise.



I am thankful for my friends. Though the things I went through personally this year were more than many of them could handle, I appreciate the ones that stood by me, held my hand, or prayed for me when there was nothing else to do. I also appreciate the ones that provide those little moments of diversion in life. Just time to think about something else, a little less serious, a little less painful. My dog friends, my work friends, my school friends, my Mexico friends, my old friends and my new friends, I wouldn't trade one of them for the world.



I am thankful for the opportunity to work in Mexico, with beautiful people in wonderful communities. I am thankful for a job that is fulfilling and enriching for my mind, heart and soul. I am thankful for the ability and the occassion to love as much as I do, these people, and this work. I am thankful to be doing something to make a difference in the world. I am thankful to be working for people I love and respect. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow with every passing day.


I am thankful for my dog, Moxie. She is my heart and soul. She makes me laugh, she keeps me in the land of the living, her bright eyes and genlte prodding kept me alive this year. She is an angel in a blue mottled fur suit. I love her more than I should I suppose. She is my everything. Thank you Moxie.


I am Thankful for my health, both physical and mental. This year has taught me to make the most of what I have. So I have launched a campaign to become a stronger, healthier me. Better able to take on the world, and make the best of what I have.

On that note, I am thankful for Effexor :)


I am thankful for my car. Poor Spooky, She's really been through the ringer, but she keeps right on ticking.


I am thankful for lenient judges, good attourneys, excellent counselors, doctors and social workers. I am thankful for timely phone calls and veterinarians. I am thankful for my own life, and thats something worth writing about.

-Rachael