Thankful Thursday--May 24

This week, I'm thankful for my mom and dad, who celebrated 42 years of marriage yesterday.  42!  Wow.

I'm thankful, too, for my BFF Suz, who is letting me plan all of the decorations for her little girl's second birthday party.  I may be a little out of control on this one (how do I know?  Maybe it was having to call her to let her know a helium tank would be delivered to her house this weekend... Or maybe it was when I had to tell my husband to ignore the mock party set up in the living room...), but I have loved every minute of brainstorming with her via email, making lists, conducting research trips to half a dozen stores (and then going back to each of those stores to purchase the items that 'made the cut'), putting together the party favors, and preparing a huge box to ship off to her.  Yes, ship off to her.  I can't actually attend the party myself, so all of this effort is my gift to her little girl.  Who will likely not remember any of it.  I'm that thankful for her presence in my life and in the lives of my friends.

Finally, I'm thankful for our EfM class.  On Tuesday night, we celebrated the graduation of half of our class at the Diocesan graduation ceremony.  (Side note:  I'm thankful that our Diocese has a facility as beautiful and rich in history as our Cathedral to celebrate these occasions, and thankful that I have St. R to go on Sundays!  I can't imagine worshiping in a place as large and empty every week.)  After the ceremony, everyone--the graduates, the mentors, priests, and other participants--moved into another room for a reception.  While there was a lovely buffet, our group found itself squeezed around a table with crab dip, crackers, and a pound cake to share among ourselves.  We talked about our class, about the graduation ceremony, about what is next for us.  And as it grew dark outside and the hall emptied of people, we stayed at our table, talking and sharing with each other.  It was truly an awesome experience, and I am thankful for it.

What are you thankful for this week?