During the next few days, many people will be buying
lots of ingredients for recipes they prepare once a year for a crowd of people
they see once a year and offering prayers of gratitude they say once a year. For
me, this is my favorite time of year. Not because of the food, not because of
the people, and certainly not because I offer prayers of gratitude only once a
year. For me, this is the time of year that reinforces my faith in all that has
blessed me: the changing of the season from hot as hell to one as colorful as
rainbows and sunsets. This is the time of year when my children and I share
stories and dreams and wishes (even if we are all adults now.) This is the time
of year where we gather to become present in the moment, in each other, in the
goodness we have as a family.
Our family of three does not find relatives
traveling many miles to see us (heck, they don’t even pick up the phone or
email); my children pretty much grew up without any grandparents doting on
their every milestone and sharing those cute little Brag Books to anyone who
would look at them because their grandparents passed away when they were very
young (except for their father’s mother who disowned us when their father and I
divorced.) They grew up without a lot that others take for granted. We all grew
up together and learned to rely on one another, trust one other to guide us in
our decision-making which carries on today. My two probably figured out that
Mom didn’t always know best the day I went to the Pound and got a dog (which,
it turns out, was a great decision after all. Just saying.)
But at this time of year, I like to reflect on all
that I know, all that I have, and all the joy I share in each day. Because when
you hear those words that you aren’t in remission, the little things in life
become all important. Because when you run (well, mostly only walk) your first
5K and do it without any feeling in your legs and excruciating pain in your
feet that are plopping along in an unnatural pounding sound, you are grateful
that you can still move at all. Because when you find that the Regional in your
life treats you like you are nothing and worthless and stupid and he is sorry
he listened to the company president and hired you, you are grateful to find
the strength and courage to walk away, literally, and never look back. Because
when you look around your new office and realize that the team you are training
and building is exactly what this property needs, you are grateful for the
opportunity to share your knowledge, enthusiasm, and talent.
For what, I ask you, are you grateful?
