Many years ago, I started the month of November being for thanks giving the entire month not just the day. Others might have picked it up from me it started the same time. Whatever, I don’t need credit, I’m happy for the benefit. Nov 1st: I’m grateful for my team. They are pulling together, learning and willingly growing to make Guardian Animal a better place. I’m also grateful for a partner to help with the management and chores. They all help me with the we make lives better stuff.
Nov. 2: I’m grateful to be allowed to work with the fifth graders of C.A.T.S. While a very high IQ may be great as an adult, it can make it hard to fit in as a child. So much that very high IQ kids are very at risk. I work with these kids to hopefully remind them that things get better. Because I’m not in the system, I have fewer constants and have more adult topics and still we have fun. They seem to enjoy it and like me. I’m grateful for this card signed by all of them and can’t wait to be back.
Nov. 3: I am grateful for coffee. The warm fresh scent. Sharing with friends. And the name of my new Harris hawk. The bond with my birds is special and I also get out in nature and form bonds with special people.
Nov. 4: I’m grateful for my medical team. Up and walking on a cane a week after surgery is pretty amazing. My surgeon and PT team have a lot to do with that. Of course, occasionally I listen to their directions and do my part. #workinghard
Nov. 5: I’m grateful to live in a democracy. I may not always like the candidates, but we get to choose. I’ve visited countries where that is not the case. Armed forces rove the streets there and deadly force is allowed. Democracy is much better.
Nov. 6: I’m grateful for friends. Friends that share that crap that sucks when it does. Friends that say we will still make this work. I’m also grateful for “minor” and “non displaced” and 2 weeks.
Nov .7: I’m grateful to have learned to scuba dive. Learning is something that should continue all of our lives. On all of my dive trips I’ve learned more about the ocean and myself. Currently obsessed with nudibranchs.
Nov. 8: I’m grateful that i can move forward Every day even if it is not the best day. I was able to do a very short surgery today. It is good to be useful.
Nov. 9: I’m grateful for nudibranchs. These are small creatures that live in the ocean. They are brightly colored and interesting. Interesting enough to spend a day off during forced rest.
Nov. 10: I’m grateful for friends. Some to enable me. Some to ground me. Some to whine to. Some who check on me. Some who quietly care.
Nov. 11: I’m grateful for my time in the Coast Guard. It is a big part of who I am. I was in the first class of women at the Coast Guard Academy. Hardships were hard, and I became a better stronger person. I have amazing experiences and a network of incredible friends. Edited to add: thank you for your support. It was not that way when I was in uniform.
Nov. 12: I’m grateful for my team. We’ve had some issues lately and they have stepped up without complaint. I’m proud of them.
Nov. 13: I’m grateful for falconry. It forces me to get out and about and allows for time to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, I have a close bond with some pretty amazing birds and a few people. Jean Luc has taught me about a whole new family of birds and Java has grown up with me.
Nov. 14: I’m grateful for a generally positive attitude. It helps with all the crap that is going on in my life right now.
Nov. 15: I’m grateful for the animals that fill my life. I recently lost two of my dogs in one week. I wish they lived longer. But I will have additional dog in my life tomorrow. Found by the dog, brought into the ER on one of my shifts, he’s to good a dog to pass on. I also enjoy my cats, ferret, birds, falconry birds, turtles, lizards, snake, mantis, tarantula and isopods.

MJ Wixsom, DVM MS is a best-selling Amazon author who practices at Guardian Animal Medical Center in Flatwoods, Ky. GuardianAnimal.com 606-928-6566