Seeing as this is my last column before Thanksgiving, I’ve decided to write about what I’m thankful for right now. I think the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” at least the chorus of it, is particularly relevant.

“You can’t always get what you want.”

First of all, I’m thankful to my parents for putting up with me for 22 years. I’m thankful that they didn’t completely spoil me; instead they taught me how to work hard to earn rewards. Knowing a lot of people who had everything they could possibly want throughout my life, I am very grateful that I didn’t because it’s taught me compassion and empathy for the situations of others that I otherwise might have lacked. I’m also very grateful to my parents for saving up their hard-earned money for so long that I could afford to go to college. Also for dealing with each other for my sake.

“No, you can’t always get what you want.”

I’m thankful to my two step-parents for putting up with me for 16 and 12 years and for helping to make and keep my biological parents happy. I’m also thankful to them because without them I would never have had so many pets or any siblings, all of whom I love dearly.

I’m thankful to my grandparents for helping my parents out with me as a child and for always being loving and supportive toward me. This goes for my extended family’s as well.

I’m thankful to my step-families for taking me in and making me feel that I belong just as much as any of the biological grand-children and cousins.

“Oh, you can’t always get what you want.”

For my many friends and supportive colleagues, I am grateful that you have been there for me throughout the years and for all of our memories together, both painful and joyful, because they’ve helped to make me who I am today.

I’m grateful that I’ve been hired at so many jobs, and, therefore, to all of my employers.

I’m grateful to the world and God, whom I do personally believe in, that I’ve never had anything truly terrible happen to me, as I know many others who have been through Hell on Earth and back again.

“But if you try sometime, you’ll find:”

Possibly most of all, I’m grateful to have a loving boyfriend who is always there to take care of me, particularly emotionally, when I need it.

“You get what you need!”

Remembering to be thankful of everything you’ve got going for you is very important. So don’t forget to figure out what you’re thankful for this Thanksgiving season!