Giving Thanks! As Thanksgiving approaches and I think about all I have to be thankful for in my life, I am overwhelmed. It really is amazing what can happen when we stop to count our blessings and focus on all of the positives in our lives.

If I had to choose one element of gratitude to share, I choose the people in my life. I am so thankful for the many family members and friends who make my life full each day. I have been blessed with parents that have always been supportive of any and all of my adventures. Whether it was when I was a not-so-athletic kid who wanted to be on the swim team or a young college student who wanted to backpack across Europe with my roommate or an adult who experienced a true heart break for the first time—they have always been there. They are always there with encouraging words, advice that is astounding, a big hug and a listening ear. They’ve let me make my own decisions, but gave guidance along the way. I always say that I am one lucky girl to have been born to two very special people who are full of humor, love, vibrancy and wisdom.

I’m thankful for my entire, big, crazy family that has helped shape the person I am today. We laugh together, we cry together, we yell together and then we laugh again. They are all incredible people who have shared so much with me and created such a strong, invaluable “team” that I know is always standing with me. I don’t know where I would be or who I would have ended up becoming if I didn’t have the tight bond with them and all of the overflowing love that comes with it.

Not only was I born into such an amazing group of people, I am thankful for the friends in my life who are much more than that. The word friend only hints at the people they are and what they mean to me. They are generous, fun-loving, adventurous, supportive, crazy-in-the-best-way, kind of people and my life would not be the same without them. I have known many of them my entire life and the relationships that have continued to evolve over the years are more meaningful to me than words can ever say.

I am thankful. I am grateful. I am blessed.

Christine Serio works for the Blood Bank of Delmarva as the External Communications Specialist and handles their Marketing and Community Relations as well.  She is well known in the community for all her efforts and she is on the A list for all the important events and happenings in North Delaware!  A big thank you to Christine for sharing her thoughts with NDH.