if you were _unfortunate enough for me to have your phone number, you received a text message with the following sentiment.  but, there are, of course, many, many other people i'd like to extend the same wishes to and spread my words of gratitude on toward.  so, i've decided to comprise a note here and share with those i wasn't able to earlier.
_{[*cough* this also means if you'd like to give me your number, i'd be much obliged.]}

so, at an ungodly hour of the morning, a text with a photo of a girl holding a dear friend, with their backs to the camera as they overlook an incredible mountainside - along with a radiant, infectious song promising today is a beautiful day - was sent, and i shared these words:

Wishing you a beautiful, meaningful Thanksgiving day.  Tell me of two things you're filled with sincere gratitude for most.  I know that I'm reflecting on sobriety, the gift of endless 'second chances' given by those around me, as well as my life that is continually rescued.  I'm passionately thankful for the friends who have *yet* to give up on me, and for new friends who selflessly accept my past and still-unsteady present and, in doing so, help me to bloom.  I'm thankful for things like forgiveness, the new chapters and hope in the book of my health, and the opportunity to work with Stefanie come January. I'm appreciative of failing and what it's taught me, for silent inner strength that reveals itself when you think you've none at *all*.  and? ..i'm thankful for you.  Thank you for who you are and the role you've played in my life.  I care a lot about you and the reciprocation means more than I can say, really. May this be the most cherished and special Thanksgiving you've had.

    <3 kristie

so, with that, i hope that you do share with me here at least two things you're full of gratitude for.  and, may you also know as truth that if i tagged you now, i care for you deeply and am extremely grateful to be able to call you a friend.  maybe i've known you since childhood, perhaps for a couple years, or possibly you're in the handful of fresh faces i've just come to know and already adore.  i love the place you hold in my life and strive to never take it for granted.  thank you for the things i've already shared my appreciation for, and most importantly, for all the things i sadly never did.  i assure you there are probably infinite instances of the latter.  i apologize for the unstructured and flightiness in this expression of thanks, but i've been awake much too long and am falling asleep on the job.  but, that means i actually care more because i'm determined to get this out there, even if waiting means i could've come up with something better composed, more articulate and far more moving.  but, for all the times you've helped me in the middle of the night through feigning eyelids and all the other times you've fought for me through your exhaustion - this is me doing the same as an attempt to mirror your selflessness and show that for eternity i would, and will always, do the same for you.

thank you for your beauty.  for your friendship.  for your laughs.  for your hugs.  for your trust.  for your encouragement.  for your patience.  for every unique thing about you that plants you in the book of Kristie's Friends.  (it's a good book; you should read it sometime!)

and to those of you who got the text and are now reading this a second time, i hope the additional commentary means something to you and was worth the time.

_{[ahem, it's also my time to apologize for the hour of morning i sent the message to you as i was NOT thinking about it until the deed was already done.  but, you already know - as the friend of insomniac kristie - this is FAR from the first time you've received something at that time of day from me while i mindlessly forget that the world moves to the hand of a clock that my mind does not conceptualize properly.  eeps.. sorries??] *shameface*}


happiest thanksgiving everyone.  now let's hear the glories pour from YOU.  YOUR turn.





ALSO
i'm sorry that it took me so long to post these.
but, i'm actually on day 77 today;
if you click on the photos, it'sll take you to my FB page
where you can like and comment your thoughts on the there.
_{[that way i get to 'like' your comments back! hahahaha!]}

HMMMMMMS....
well, for some reason the photos aren't showing?
anyone know why?

you'll have to go to just links:
www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbi…
_{["sorry it took me so long to post these. today is really day 77 for me. thankfulness is an understatement, so i won't even couple the feelings around this with those circling thanksgiving praises "]}

on.fb.me/gW4XEh
_{["received on the same night that my dad received his 23 year chip. i'm only 22 years, 307 days behind him"]}

on.fb.me/eTAUxI
_{["......and as always, the serenity prayer. though, i took notice that this chip is ina different font quite sophisticated!
'God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.'
♥"]}


let me know what you think?
and tell me your thankfulnesses!