Yeah, Yeah...Thanks

Puffin (one of my newest favorites and already doing the tagging thing...watch your step guy, I kick pretty hard) asked that those who read him write an acceptance speech of sorts today. The kind you'd give at the Oscars, for example. I'm not one to follow instructions well, so here is my take on it.

*Applause as I'm taking the stage...okay, so maybe there are a few of those cowardly boo's and hisses, yeah, I feel you, Mr. Vice President.* I look unbelievably hot, by the way.

Thank you, thank you all. I appreciate being honored for...whatever. I can't imagine what I've done to deserve this, in fact, I shudder to think. But there are those I'd like to thank.

Of course, first and always (hush Shawn) I give God thanks. Something else I do first and always is ask for His forgiveness daily, I'm just thankful He can keep up. I mess up at a rate that would completely blow your mind. Oh yeah...trying to stay focused here.
Anyway, let's see.

I want to thank my parents for showing me first hand what a child wants and needs. However I came about it, I'm thankful for the examples teaching me from an early age how much children need to feel safe and loved. I thank you, and my children thank you.
I want to thank my sister for teaching me what loyalty and honor are, for helping me realize what is most important in life.
I want to thank my high school counselor for seeing what couldn't be spoken out loud and for showing me that I was worth caring about. I hope God has blessed you and your wife richly, I've never forgotten you, thank you.
I want to thank the many, many, many people that let me lean on them and didn't take advantage of a young, stupid woman. Angels unaware, thank you.
I want to thank my grandparents that honestly and openly loved me unconditionally. I am your legacy. I hope I make you smile.
I want to thank Drew Pappas for letting God use you in spite of my ridicule.
I want to thank my adopted step-mom, Pat, who has been an example to me of unconditional love and forgiveness. I hope your real daughters and family know how blessed they are, and I wish my dad had realized it too.
I want to thank my mom-in-law for accepting me, loving me and being such a good friend to me.
I want to thank my friends for never being offended when I answer the phone asking what they want...and for accepting that I don't small talk.
I want to thank Katy for so much laughter.
I want to thank my boys for bringing me more joy than I ever dreamed possible, and I forgive you for the stupid things you've done and what you've yet to do. It's been a learning process for all of us, and I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have. I love you both with every fiber of my being.
I want to thank Mark. I'll never, ever comprehend fully why you're with me, but thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

And...thank you all, for whatever reason you've stuck with me through this journey, you've blessed me.