What I'm thankful for this holiday season!!

            Today, I am so grateful to have friends who care about me. I enrolled at the Haverhill Clubhouse in the fall, but shortly after due to a bout with depression I was taken to crisis. But when I returned the outpouring of compassion of support I got was nothing short of amazing. It made me feel so good that everyone, members and staff welcome me back with open arms. I have come to realize that the people who work in the mental health system are some of the most amazing people I've ever met. It was truly scary what I went through in 2009. But I now see it as a blessing, simply because there is no judgement from people who work in the system they care about you for who you are.
         I have also been thinking about the faculty and staff at Landmark College. As I come upon 5 years since I graduated from that wonderful place, I owe a lot to my coach Deb Berigow. All the amazing professors who gave me support and encouragement when I needed it the most. Without Landmark I don't know where I would be today. I feel so lucky to have had the good fortune of going to Landmark. I didn't even think College would be in my future once I left High School. I am also thankful for my high school special education teacher! She taught me to never give up on myself and is someone I know I can keep in touch with. She was awesome enough to go for a walk with me around Bear Hill a few weeks ago. I am so grateful for those who have impacted my life. I also am thankful for Ginny DeVito she is another very special person in my life. She was my 3rd grade special education teacher. She did so much for me! She is never far from my mind. She cared about me for who I was. She never once judged me.
             I can tell you the last time I saw her she gave me a keychain that was in the shape of a heart. She put a picture of herself in it and on the back of it she wrote the sweetest message. I always carried it around with m, but unfortunately I lost the picture and the keychain. To this day it breaks my heart. But we still keep in touch with letters when we can. It's the holiday season. I think it's important to be thankful! You never know who will change your life. :)