Thankful for the Friday Five

This RevGal Friday Five is about the 5 things/people we are thankful for this year.

I can actually answer with one word. But being a woman of many words, I won't.

1. Being part of the family of God. I AM the prodigal son (well, daughter) ...turning my back, running away to things that glitter but welcomed back with joy and feasting.

2. My MIL and SILs and BIL...all my ILs. My usually darling hubby comes from a wonderful family. Perhaps it is easy for me to feel that way because they all live so far away and all over the world so we just get to share the best. I think it would be wonderful to have an extended family thanksgiving someday but logistically not likely.

3. My family and memories of large maternal family dinners on Thanksgiving when grandma, all my aunts, uncles and cousins would gather to share for food, fun, napping, and usually more food. And it wasn't just Thanksgiving...I remember the July picnics, Easter & Christmas dinners, graduations, and funeral dinners (and yes, those included fun too as we shared funny stories in remembrance) There's only my Dad, 1 aunt and 1 uncle left of the previous generations. And the cousins are scattered and starting to become grandmas and grandpas overseeing their own dinner traditions.

4. My local church family, with its love, hugs, eccentric uncles, crazy cousins, family squabbles and more love. I am thankful that while we never get to share a Thanksgiving meal with our families of origin, we are looking forward the church Thanksgiving potluck this Sunday...shared real family.

5.Internet families. Like, RevGals that I discovered this year. And ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network), where I became a member of the family 5 years ago. And a few others. The support, the cyberhugs (and sometimes real ones too), and words of wisdom make us truly family.

Family.

And although I've already given 5 answers...there is one more answer to my family theme. I am so, so thankful for my Little Sprout, Fenway (doggie-boy), and Usually Darling Hubby. We've shared another year of love, growth, tears, and joy.