30 days of gratitude: day 9 – nancy – define liminal : finding the space between

day 9

dear nancy,

you’ve been a part of my life since childhood in one way or another, and i’m so glad i grew up alongside the evolution of your love for my father. “step” parents aren’t typically supposed to be awesome, but you are absolutely awesome.

i am grateful…

that you make dad change out of his work uniform when not at work
for your intelligence, wit, and matter of fact attitude
for that scary pinky finger pointing (no messing around when the pinky comes out)
that you put up with the schneiders magic ability to bring up toilets in any conversation
and our need to correct every minor detail
that you always have a spare bed made up for me when i come home to visit
that you’re reasonable and let me borrow your car occasionally (despite dad’s judgement)
for your amazing nana-ing to your grandchildren (maybe one day you’ll have more…)
for how excited and animated you get over the smallest things
that you push dad to travel to new places and experience new things
for forcing our whole family to purge unneeded junk when we moved out of the big green house
that you bring out the best in dad and keep him in check at the same time
that you only broke a rib under that atv
for your great listening skills
for letting me use your address as my forever mailing address
for the love and understanding you have for your family
that you treat amy, dan, and i as your own children
that you got to retire and have been enjoying the more relaxed side of life
but that you still volunteer and find meaning to fill the hours of the day
that you let me in on some “secrets” about my dad
for your outgoingness and positive energy
that you respect my mother and always make sure us kids are thinking about her
that you nicknamed me “hula” even before i moved to hawaii
for your abundant giving to others
for the example you set when it comes to food restraint (go get a pumpkin spice latte though, seriously)
that you got dad to finally wear shorts and sandals
that you always have the coffee ready for everyone in the morning
that you let ryan and i store our winter coats in your closet
that you let me intrude upon your spot on the couch when i am home
that i know you are always there for me, my dad, and my family