Shared by Marianne Chandler, Dean of Students & Customer Care Angel at our AngelsTeach Thanksgiving event…

I would like to share a Personal Letter of Gratitude that I have written.  While this represents my personal journey, my prayer is that you will share in giving thanks with me for your blessings.

Dear God,

Thank you ….

When I sit and meditate on my life, I realize I have so much to be thankful to you for.

I was given the most incredible parents. They not only taught me the typical lessons of right and wrong but they loved me unconditionally.  They shared the gifts of strength, encouragement, strong morales and independence with me and my siblings.  Even when I disappointed them by my actions, they stood by me and made sure I was secure and had everything I needed to be safe.

When my father was ill and suffering, he taught me the importance of being positive and strong in the face of adversity. His courage and his unfailing faith have left a lasting impression on me and I choose to share that with those I encounter in return.  Thank you for the gift of my dad!

My mother is the pillar of strength. She treats all she knows, her family and her friends and even strangers with kindness, compassion and generosity. These are gifts I admire and share freely because I realize how important they are to the world.  Thank you for the gift of my mom!

I have been blessed with a beautiful and charming daughter. She is my sunshine during the day and the moonlight that paves my path at night.  She has taught me compassion, understanding, patience and tolerance. She has exposed me to new ideas and showed me what it means to love unconditionally.  Thank you for the gift of my daughter, Krista!

I have the best friends. Some I have known since childhood, some friends have come into my life just recently. Each of them has helped me learn something about myself … whether it be about my inner strength, my hidden sense of humor or that my weaknesses are really my strengths. Some have helped me grow spiritually and others have helped me discover just how unique and important “I” am.  I am honored to have each and every one of these people in my life, dear Lord and thank you for the beautiful gift of their friendship and their wisdom.

 I have been blessed with financial stability, a warm home and everything I need to live. I thank you for those gifts and the comfort they bring.

Finally, thank you for the challenges and growth opportunities you have brought to my life. They have allowed me the opportunity to learn how strong I am and how creative I can be. They have forced me to view things from a different vantage point and they have made me the person I am today.

With love and gratitude,

Marianne

May each of you have a beautiful Thanksgiving, wonderful holiday season and a new year full of health, happiness and abundance!