This is kind of different than the others here, but on my mind anyway. I grew up in a very abusive household. I never knew anything else, and consequently my relationships were initially abusive too. I was terrified (as I learned to come out of such things) that my son and I would also have a toxic relationship, I truly didn't know any kids that had a good relationship with their parents. So all I could do was try every day not to make the same mistakes my parents and others I knew, had made.
Fast forward to now... I am thankful that my grown son loves me, that we can have an open honest discussion without threats and violence. I'm thankful that he confides in me and that he and I are friends. I'm thankful that I have two siblings out of the JW madness that I also have a fairly normal, loving relationship with, though we are in varying stages of recovery from the past. I'm thankful that my sister has started talking to me after years of shunning me, and that even though she is not totally out of the mind control, that she is willing to establish a relationship after all this time. I pray that she can not only be finally free from the abusive religion, but also from the abusive relationship she has been in for years as well.
Lastly, I'm thankful to be alive right now. I have had a very serious illness and am just now getting back on my feet again.
Thanks everyone here for this forum and for the support it provides to people coming to their senses after a lifetime (or seems like a lifetime) experience with the cult.
Bless you all and happy Thanksgiving.
Ada