Letter to Santa (a week and a few days late)

Dear Santa,

Instead of writing a letter filled with "I want(s) ...", I have decided to tell you what I am thankful for during this last quite bumpy year.  I know this is likely a shock to you as I have been quite lengthy in my past letters to you.

I am first and foremost thankful for the health and well being of The Kidlet.  While she can be a total pain in the ass at times, she is a pretty good kid.  I am so proud of how she has grown over the last year (and I don't mean physically because I am not thankful for that or the money that has been spent on the constant parade of new clothes/shoes that enter my home).  She is so smart and driven.  She is not scared to try new things and she has a very good heart.  Over the last few months she has matured quite a bit, declaring some independence has been good for us both.  I am so proud of her.

I am thankful for my own health and ability to think for myself.

I am thankful to such a fantastic group of friends.  I have reconnected with several that I had lost touch with over the last few years and it has been absolutely amazing to have them back in my life.

I am thankful for my small but strong family.  I lost my grandfather and an aunt this past year and it has been difficult but they are both in a better place with better people (my father and brother) and they are no longer in pain.

I am thankful for my job.

I am thankful that I have strengthened my spirituality.  Now don't think that I am standing on the street corner, screaming bible versus at passerbys holding live snakes in my hands with burning crosses behind me.  But, I have been reading Jesus Calling devotionals for almost a year and I love it!

Santa, I feel really strong right now.  It has been a while since I have felt this solid and I like it ... a lot.  This Christmas my wish is continue on this path and be the best mother, friend, daughter, employee, person that I can be and that all haters, "suck it".

And, thank you Santa for being a constant fantasy for me in between relationships.  Stay studly!

Kim