Forever Grateful

This has been a very interesting year for me. A lot of good things have happened for me, however, there have been a lot of not-so-good things I have faced this year. Through these experiences, I have realized a few things for which I am grateful.

I am grateful for my family, all parts of it, like my mom who has always been there through everything with me, who loves me unconditionally, Jim who has taken me in as his own, and dealt with the crap that I have put him through, yet still has helped me whenever I need it, Matthew who shows me that he cares so much in the smallest ways, and the Papkes who are always welcoming of me, and help us out so much.

I am grateful for my friends, as well. I have learned to not take for granted the time that I get to spend with them, or with anyone that I love. I have been blessed to have great people placed in my life when I have needed them the most.

I am grateful for coming to Idaho, coming to school here, and always being given the funds necessary to live here. I am grateful for the second chance I have been given to go to school to be more prepared for my future. Being here, I have been able to learn much more of the gospel, learned self-reliance, stewardship, leadership, and made many great friends.

I am grateful for the gospel, for my Saviour, and for his atoning sacrifice. Sometimes it is hardest for me to express these these things, when it should be the easiest. I am grateful for the Burkharts and all the support they had provided for me when I was going through my decision to be baptized, and the support they still provide for me. I am grateful for the temple, and the chance that I had to be sealed for eternity in it to Jason. I am grateful for my faith in the gospel that I will be able to see my best friend again, and all of the people I care about that have and will leave this earth before me.

I am grateful for a wonderful husband who is always encouraging me when I am needing it the most, who was there for me and showed care for me when I was going through a rough spot when he did not even know me. I am grateful for everything that he does for me when I come home tired from work. i am grateful for the help he has given me when I have questions about the gospel.

Well, this is really long, but I am grateful for so many things and people. I am grateful for the opportunity to write these things down because they help me to remember how precious these things are in my life.

-Natalie Anne