Four more days ... and counting ...

This morning I woke up thinking about what I am grateful for. This count down thing is becoming difficult. It is hard for me to isolate one specific thing. It seems that I am thankful for so much. By now, those who read my blog know that I am crazy about Ada Mae. So, I will not bore you with how thankful I am for her presence in my life. And, I am very, very grateful for my son and life partner. I mean, surely that goes without saying? I will ruminate on that and get back to you with a post about them, perhaps. In the meantime, here is what I wrote about them both in the Preface of my new book: "Thank you to my son, Gilad Barkan, for having the courage to tell me how he feels, and to my husband, Tom Jacobson, for having the courage to hear how I feel. I am truly blessed to have these two wonderful men in my life." (Page xiii)

I must say that on this cold and wintry Monday morning, four days before Thanksgiving, and my son coming to visit, I feel particularly grateful for my work. Yes indeed. I am happy to be driving to work today. I give thanks for my job. It is not only that I love teaching students or have to write books and articles, do research, or be paid for thinking great thoughts! Specifically, and most especially, I am thankful for the community of Rider University. Because, from day one, I was welcomed and supported by every single person I have had to interact with - from colleagues in the faculty, to students, the administration, and support staff. No exceptions. A gentler, more collegial, supportive environment I have yet to find! How lucky am I? 

Those of you who have been reading or following my life's journey these past four years will know how difficult it was for me to leave Buffalo, my friends, and, especially, my work. The transition to Philadelphia was, indeed, excruciating on so many levels. At my age, and this time in my life, work life is terribly important. And so, finding my niche has been crucial for my happiness and fulfillment. Indeed, every project or assignment that I have undertaken has been not only encouraged, but supported and applauded. This semester my colleagues have even humored me in agreeing to participate in Kris Kringle, a holiday ritual, which I enjoyed participating in so much, when I was Director of the Campus Child Care Center in Buffalo. What more could a person ask for?

So, today's count down I am thankful for my work-place, and everyone there. If I name names, the list would be endless, so I am grateful for the entire Rider community - for giving me the opportunity and support to do the work I love to do.