For my family, 2015 has been an “interesting” year. Before I head out to the market with Thanksgiving shopping list in hand, and before the days tumble over each other headlong into December, I wanted to sit and give thanks.
Thank you, readers. For inviting my words into your minds, letting them linger and simmer and blend with your own thoughts and experiences.
Thank you, writers. For brilliant words that inspire me to try harder, for sharing what you’ve learned on your path, and paying it forward.
Thank you, booksellers. For graciously welcoming me this year. For selling books. You do it because you love it, I know, but I thank you anyway.
Thank you, She Writes Press. For your innovation and vision. For your community.
Thank you, my old friends. For holding in your memories a “me” from before motherhood, the one who was funnier and less serious, so that I can sometimes catch a glimpse of that girl. Thank you for still being near.
Thank you, my “new” (e.g. of the past 15 years) friends. For lighting the way forward. For being an extended family to mine. For carpooling, for venting and listening to vents, for the occasional “Moms night out.”
Thank you, music.
Thank you, dancing.
Thank you, my sons. For teaching me how to parent you. (I don’t mean the little things, like “can we please have Grand Theft Auto.” Sorry, that’s a no, because I can’t handle “virtual” violence on top of the actual violence we know about in the world.) I mean, thank you for telling me things like, “We need more of you than you’ve been giving.” Thank you for giving me the chance to do better.
Thank you, my husband. For your creativity. For your incredible parenting. For your humor. For your positive outlook. For singing in the house.
Thank you, my whole family — my sister, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, and especially my parents. For being present. For being cheerleaders. For being healthy and thriving, even though that’s mostly up to chance.
Thank you, good fortune.
Thank you, dumb luck.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
If words could build a force field around us, if a prayer of gratitude could keep us safe, healthy, fulfilled, and loved…
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Laura Nicole Diamond 