“Only the good things,” is what our spinning instructor encourages us to think about this week of Thanksgiving. Letting those words take root is a good thing in itself. I’ve been feeling a bit sad.
The sadness comes from missing my friend, Dee. I called her on Thanksgiving Day, a year ago, to tell her how thankful I am for her friendship. That was the last time I heard her voice. She died three and a half weeks later.
Although I wish she was here this Thanksgiving, I am so grateful for the friendship I had with her which lasted 44 years. Even in her darkest hours, she always managed to find good things to be thankful for.
So in honor of Dee’s memory and our friendship, I celebrate the blessings in my own life. I truly have much to be thankful for:
• Big Papa’s steadfast love
• My physical health, well-being and strength
• The Urban Cabin, my home
• Wonderful friendships, old and new
• Delicious food in my fridge, on my stove and in my belly
• Miss Maggie’s silly cat companionship
• The beauty of the Pacific Northwest
• A backyard to grow things in
• The freedom to write and express myself
• My family being able to see the happiness in my life
• The birds and critters who find food and shelter in our yard
• My mind and my intellect
• Having things I feel passionate about: writing, photography and cooking
• Being able to care for and care about others
• Opportunities I’ve had to get out and see more of the world
• The ability to share what we have with a child in need
To all who read this post, may a day of thanks be yours. No matter how harried or stressed you feel, find a few minutes to pause and reflect. Take stock of the wonder in your life, both large and small. For myself I am reminded this day, that of all the ‘good things’ I give thanks for, the grandest of all is life itself.
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