My editor (and sweet friend) asked me to sum up what I am thankful for in a few sentences or a paragraph, and dutifully, I began to consider what I would write. Do you

know what I discovered? I have more than a paragraph in thankfulness to share but my thankfulness may be a little different than you think. So here we go ...

I am thankful that during deployment:

10.  My child has ended up in the emergency room. It has taught me to think quickly on my feet and to be calm in an emergency situation.

  9.    That the pipes burst on the washer. It has taught me to always know where my tools are and to think creatively when solving problems.

  8.    Friends have unfriended me on Facebook. It has taught me to not be so thin-skinned and to realize that I should think before I post.

  7.    That my sweet soldier doesn't answer every time I email. It has taught me to be patient and understand that the mission really does have to come first sometimes.

  6.    That my son is on the autistic spectrum. It has taught me to parent in such a way that I can meet his needs.

  5.    That my daughter stuck a metal rod in an electrical outlet. It has taught me that I can yell really loudly.

  4.    That my daughter was okay after sticking the rod in the outlet. I think she taught herself a lesson.

  3.    That occasionally everyone likes to schedule things on the same day. It has taught me to prioritize.

  2.    That my kids argue with the neighbor kids. It has taught me to clink glasses with my neighbors and say, "I'm glad mine aren't the only ones."

  1.    That we have experienced five deployments. They have taught me the value of school and daycare and how to turn a trip to Target or Walmart into a mini vacation.

While not all of these incidents have occurred during this particular deployment, I really am thankful for the opportunities that deployment has brought me. But most of all, I am thankful that this deployment has brought me you.

I hope that if you were separated for Thanksgiving that you had the opportunity to speak to your soldier, sailor, airman or Marine. I hope that you had a clear Skype or FaceTime session or phone line. And that you remember even during deployment, there is so much to be thankful for.

From the Young Family to your family, I hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving and I hope that you enjoy a fantastic holiday season.

Strength and Courage ... sby