I had several snappy topics to blog about today, but on this worrisome morning—Friday the 13th—I’d simply like to take a moment to count my blessings. It’s hard not to fret as I tempt fate by embarking with my daughter on a flight to New York, that fertile land mine where my toxic family history resides. I am equally stressed anticipating the long and uncomfortable redeye, as I am worried about what awaits us at the other end.

I may complain about not being a successful enough writer, but all it takes is one tedious phone call from an unhappy sibling for me to realize just how fortunate I am, and what an unbelievably fabulous life I lead. First and foremost, despite my old-lady aches and pains, I am in phenomenally good health, which is a blessing beyond measure. I have a husband I still love after nearly 20 years, and a gorgeous, smart, creative-minded daughter who keeps me on my toes.

If that were not enough, I do well-paying (if not completely fulfilling) work—from home, no less! And when that becomes too tiresome, we head to our funky, falling down cabin in the middle of nowhere, which I love even more than the sturdy roof above my head right now. Yes, I can honestly say I’ve got it made, and am happy beyond my wildest imaginings.

So, should I feel guilty? My two older brothers and I departed from the same starting gate, so why am I successful professionally while they suffer economically? Why have I found love and created a new family for myself, when they did not? I’d like to believe it’s because I refused to be unhappy, whereas they—on some level deep down in the subconscious reaches of our collective psyche—bought into the comfort and joy of sustained familial discontent taught to us by our parents. I so want to believe that I manifested everything wonderful in my life through determination, hard work, and positive vision, but who knows? It could all just as easily be snatched from my grasp by an ill-fated hand lurking around the next corner. Lord knows, I have seen folks' luck change for the worse often enough.

No, happiness may be a choice, but good fortune is nothing short of a commonplace miracle. So I’d like to send up a prayer that I might have the strength, fortitude and wisdom to stay upbeat and spread positive energy to my difficult, less fortunate family members once we safely reach our destination. And to all of you, a happily uneventful Friday-the-13th.