Thankful Things! 

I call November the “thankful” month. It’s pre-Christmas and post-Halloween and a great time to practice gratitude. No wonder we call it “Thanksgiving.” It’s a season I love because it’s everything family. 

When I was young, my grandparents visited our farm home every Thanksgiving. I remember how my mother and grandmother seemed to enjoy fixing that big meal. I didn’t understand that then, but I do now. Cooking isn’t a chore when it’s shared with loved ones. Thankfully, my five siblings and I, along with our kids, had many cherished Thanksgiving meals together in our parents’ home. 

My husband’s family had a reunion every Thanksgiving. Aunts, uncles and cousins gathered from in and out of state. So much food. So much laughter. So many hugs and tears on parting. So thankful to be part of such love. 

But things change. It’s the way of life. Reunions cease. Loved ones leave for heaven. It has been thirteen years since I shared a Thanksgiving with my husband and this will be my second year without my youngest son, Jay. Life isn’t always easy, but blessed, just the same. So many beautiful memories. So much love stored in my heart. 

And this year I have an unusual reason to be thankful. Having just been diagnosed with breast cancer, I am thankful for the imaging that caught this so early. Surprised! Shocked! Yes! Certainly not something I want to go through, especially alone. I wish my husband were here to travel this journey with me, but I’m thankful for friends and family who have stepped up to help and pray for me. Thankful for skilled doctors and nurses. Thankful for God’s love and protection over me during this time. 

So, this month, when you gather for your Thanksgiving bounty, hold hands with your loved ones as you bless the food and say a thankful prayer for each other. Pray for their home, health, and happiness as well as your own. In fact, let’s make a list of “Thankful Things.” I’ll start! 

I’m thankful for you, my readers! You are a divine blessing in my life!