28

I turned 28 yesterday. I never in a million years would have believed that I would have celebrated my 28th birthday and not be a mother too -- let alone have never been pregnant. In my plan, I was going to have my first at 26 followed by my second at 28. In fact, I started trying right before my 26th birthday. And if I could have looked into a crystal ball and seen me two years later -- right now -- and have seen all that I was going to go through, I wonder what I would have thought. That's why I'm glad I don't have a crystal ball. I think God gives me just enough light and strength to take my next step, because I couldn't have handled knowing what was in store all at once. Alas, I still have the hope inside that maybe, just maybe it'll be different next year.

Despite all this, it's really only a small part of who I am. Infertility is not my identity. I am so thankful for my 28 years and all that I have experienced and who I am today. I live a rich, full life with lots of love and laughter.

So, in light of my 28th birthday, I thought I'd list 28 things I am thankful for!

In no particular order:

1. A job I love
2. Living in the South
3. Autumn
4. My dogs and their unconditional love
5. A husband that loves me
6. A warm home
7. Being able to laugh with friends who "get it"
8. 2 paid for cars
9. Health
10.Hugs
11.That life is characterized by seasons
12.My church
13.Hope
14.A faith that I can cling to
15.My siblings
16.7 years of marriage with no kids
17.The memories I have of traveling with my husband
18.The sunset on Anna Maria Island, FL
19.That there is always tomorrow
20.Friends
21.A comfy bed to lay my head down on each night
22.Laughter
23.Scrapbooks
24.Peace in the midst of storms
25.Going to Disney
26.Josh's mom and dad
27.Prayer
28.More hope