Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Thankful Author 2017- Letha Hanover


2017 has been quite a year for me personally, as well as for my family.  It’s been full of challenges and rewards, some greater than others. Writing about what I’m thankful for this year is easy to do since I’ve recently been given a deeper appreciation of my family and friends.

First and foremost is Family.  I have three wonderful children who are bright and loving, and I couldn’t be prouder of the individuals they are growing in to.  That’s not to say that they do not challenge my patience as a human being on a minute-by-minute basis.  I’m grateful they are unique in their passions and personalities, and are able to have experiences that make them well-rounded individuals.  I’m reminded often that they are my greatest accomplishments, and work at keeping that a priority when I’m tugged in so many other directions.

One of the biggest things I’m grateful for this year is LIFE and having a general sense of well-being.  Not too long ago we had a bit of a scare when my daughter began having knee trouble and test results showed a suspicious spot on her bone.  After months of tests and seeing multiple specialists, and then surgery, we were so grateful that it turned out not to be cancer. Going through those months of not knowing, having to keep moving forward, but at the same time putting other things on hold because of the unknown was a true test for all of us.  I am so blessed and very grateful for the strong family unit we have and the friends that rallied around us, showing their love and support when we needed it.

I tend to get side tracked by day-to-day living and before I know it, life as slipped another month past me.  I’m grateful for the moments when we slow down for a second and look around, taking in the love we have for our family as we celebrate birthdays with nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, as well as distant cousins that we seldom get to see.  

We unexpectedly lost a dear family member this year and the months following that time were dark for all of us.  It’s times like that, as we work through the mourning process, that we have to really work on focusing on the things that matter and being grateful for the time that we do get to have with the people who mean so much to us.  For example, my grandpa will celebrate another birthday soon and I’m so grateful that the doctors were wrong eight years ago when they told us his heart simply had too much wrong with it and we should cherish the last four months they expected him to give us.  He’s in his late 90’s now and still keeping us all quite entertained with his stories of being a WWII fighter pilot.  Every extra second I have with him is a gift that I hold dear because to me, he’s the greatest man on earth.

Another thing that I’m grateful for are my readers.  I released my second book in 2017 and I can’t believe how well it was received and the support I have had by people I’ve never met, but liked my words enough to reach out and tell me so, as well as share it.  To me, that is the greatest compliment a writer can get.

So, yes, in 2017 I’ve had many ups and down, and so many things to be thankful for. I have a spectacular family and I’m grateful every day for my way of life, and the opportunities I’ve been given.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all.




3 comments:

  1. Letha, I enjoyed your post! Life is all about the ups and downs. I guess the trick is to enjoy the ride. Have a wonderful holiday season!

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  2. Such a heartfelt message. Family s truly a blessing.

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  3. You are a very lucky woman with so much to be thankful for. All the best.

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