Thanksgiving Week—Where to Start Counting the Blessings?

Let me start by telling you that I’ve seen up and I’ve seen down. I like up a lot better!  I’ve learned to live in gratitude and acceptance (except when I forget and have my moments of rebellion!).

Gratitude is a practice, just like prayer. Some say I live in rose-colored glasses. I see reality. It’s just that I can generally maintain peace when I’m grateful, even if very tough situations.

The stories below are not tragic like to families who are suffering from the fires in California or those suffering from life-threatening hunger in Yemen. My prayers go to those families that their suffering may end quickly.
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best-rated charities for Yemen donations

My stories pale by comparison. I hope these vignettes will show you how gratitude, even in small trials, can nourish your soul.

I have three grown children. The last time we were all together was 2011 for my father’s 95th birthday. At that time, I only had four grandchildren.

The night after Dad’s big party one of the siblings crossed the line with another sibling. The other sibling responded in kind and upped the ante. They didn’t speak for two years after that.  I wanted to broker peace but knew that they had to work it out between themselves. Bit by bit they did reach out to each other and are best friends again with good boundaries.  I am so grateful for the reunion of their bond.

Next week, for the first time in seven years, we will all be together again, this time for Thanksgiving. Each family has grown in number of members and maturity.  Nine grandchildren are headed to me.  I can’t wait! I am so very grateful that we will all be together.

I’m only worried about one thing:  How will we get the triplets, who are 2 1/2-years-old, to take a nap or go to sleep at night when they can climb out of their Pack ‘n Plays?!

Here are a few other things on my gratitude list.

I’m grateful for:

• The outstanding surgeon who, a year ago, straightened the curves in my back so that I can now walk, hike, and pick up my grandchildren.
• My local surgeon who did an outstanding job on my hysterectomy just three weeks ago, operating with such care that I was able to help a friend celebrate her 70thbirthday last weekend in Mexico.
• Beautiful days that illuminate color and gray days that offer peace.
• My friends with whom I laugh and with whom I can share sorrows.
• My children who have taught me how patient true love is and also appreciation for different perspectives; and
• My honey who brings me joy and makes every day brighter, richer and sweeter because he’s in it.

I wish you a Thanksgiving full of blessings, no matter how large or small.
Emmie

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