Almost finished a Thanksgiving blog here today. As many of you may know this site is not always the easiest to use. 🙁 Don't know if it was submitted or not. But here is a briefer version of it. Here is what I am thanful for today in spite of a very difficult mental illness:

*MY RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS

I have an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus. He gives me true hope in my regular prayer with Him that my illness — depression, anxiety and OCD–will slowly, slowly get better.

*MY FAMILY

Especially my mother and father who support me so much in my illness. I love them so much. And my sister who cares for me too. I have also been blessed with some special neices and nephews who I am so proud of –Derek, Dana and Louie!

*FRIENDS

All my friends — DT and OCD TRIBE Friends and friends here in Pittsburgh–too many to list but let me list a few — Louise, Anna, Jackie, Heide, Heather, Natalie, Chevy, Key, Lauren, Azriel and Jane.

*CAREGIVERS

Have changed psychiatrists and therapists off and on this year but they have all been the best. They are a blessing that I believe are part of God's healing plan for me.

*HUSSAN

A Somilian refugee who I have befriended and mentored for many years. He is now a sophomore in college! I am so proud of him!

*LUKE

He is my cat. 🙂 BIG, playful and affectionate. Loves to sit on my lap and purr and rub against me. And sometimes when I pet him he purrs and rubs against the coffee table and buschel basket!

*EXERCISE/NATURE TRAIL

Have a beautiful exercise/nature trail nearby. I walk for my exercise there. I love to see and take photos of God's beauty there — the beautiful clouds, blue sky, animals (turkeys and deer this year!) and sunsets.

*HOBBIES/FUN THINGS

Watching and reading about sports, my new hobby of photography, reading a good book (discovered LuAnne Rice this year), Crossword puzzles, getting together with friends, enjoying good food.:)

Since last Thanksgiving its still been a rough, rough strugggle at times. But God is good. He is blesssing me more recently with good days and times. I hope in Him. It will all slowly, slowly get better.