Thanksgiving is next week. I try to reflect each day on my many blessings. Sometimes that isn’t easy. Especially when faced with the fear of a sick child, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the destruction of our democracy, etc. Today, I renew my commitment to myself to put more effort to express gratitude each day no matter what is going on in my life or in the world.
First, every morning I am happy to be able to enjoy another day with my family. Especially in a country that has the freedom we all deserve, and in a state where the governing leaders respect a woman’s right to choose. In a state where most people don’t condemn folks for who they love. We could certainly do better with the homelessness situation and gun control but, hopefully soon…optimist.
Yesterday was the last day of my daughter, Ke’ili’s chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I am so grateful for the courage and stamina that got her through the last two and a half plus years. She is amazing. We are so grateful for the health insurance her employer provides. Steve and I are grateful that we could pick up and move here to care for her the way we did. It was such a blessing that we could spend so much time with her. Especially during a pandemic. It wasn’t always pleasant and many times very scary but we did it. We binge-watched several TV series. Cranked through tons of jigsaw puzzles. I have never cooked so many meals per day in my life. We are sad that she will be moving out soon. She is thrilled!
We now live close enough to my cousin and her family that we have been able to join them for several holidays. We appreciate them sharing their family holidays with us. The love from their family and their support lifted us up in the worst of times. We are eternally appreciative.
Even though we are grieving the death of Steve’s uncle Charlie, we are grateful to have had him in our lives. His life celebration is coming up in a few weeks, and we look forward to being with his family and friends for a massive party to laugh, cry and remember a truly great man. (There will be lots of crying for sure.)
What are you thankful for? What has happened in your life that helped you through your times of grief?
Please share, and I will pass the information along here and on my FB page.
Happy Thanksgiving! Take care of yourselves and be sure to tell your loved ones how much you love and appreciate them each day because your life can change in a heartbeat.
Be well,
Shirley
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