Happy Thanksgiving Day. Regardless of current circumstances, I believe we all have something to be thankful for. Could things be better? I'm answering that question with a resounding HELL YES. Could things be worse? Hell yes. So here are just a few of the things on my gratitude list, in no particular order:
- Steve, my wonderful husband of 32 years who still and always loves me. No. Matter. What. Not an easy task, but he does it with grace and understanding and quite an array of swear words.
- My two miracles, Julie and Matto. They are the best and most precious gifts I've ever received. They are smart and good and kind, and they are making this world a better place every day. I love them more than words can say and my heart breaks when life gives them anything less than everything good.
- My family. My crazy, loud, stubborn, everyone talks at the same time, hysterically funny family. We deal with adversity through humor and have a long history of taking things WAY beyond any reasonable limit...flying Chinese teapots, anyone? Outsiders (all those with last names that are not Biagi) have said that being around us is like watching a sitcom. On crack. My mother-in-law once told me that she loved being with my family because "there's always so much to watch." My poor husband (see above) has learned to deal with our DNA by trying his best to tune us out. Considering what we've lived through, we're very close and relatively sane. Relatively. And I love them all.
- Faith. My own faith in something greater than what is seen today, and the faith that others have in me. Faith the size of a mustard seed is enough, and I figure even on my worst days I've got that much faith somewhere in my body.
- I'm SO thankful Julie wasn't hurt in the car accident. Her car is totaled but she walked away with no injuries, which is pretty amazing after seeing this (blurry) photo:
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| poor Sophia! |
- I'm also SO thankful she's getting a bigger insurance check than originally thought, which means she'll be able to pay off her car loan AND have a down payment for a new car (and a new car loan).
- Seasons. The beauty and changes remind me that the world continues on even if it feels like my world has come to a grinding halt. There's comfort in the routine of the expected and the hope for what is yet to come.
- The best neighbors in the world, and NOT because they just brought us chocolate cupcakes and cheesecake. They also bring us AMAZING homemade Christmas cookies. And they take care of our house and cats and mail when we're gone. And they're die-hard Cubs fans so we have someone to commiserate with.
- Memories. Good, bad, and in between. I've worked with Alzheimer's patients and their families for years and the loss of memories is one of the most painful aspects of this terrible disease. Cherish your memories; they're part of your life's road map.
- Well, if I've gotta be out of work I guess I'm thankful that it's right now. No worries about asking for and getting days off during the holidays, right?
- Baby toes. Seriously, can you look at baby toes and NOT kiss and nibble them? You can? Oh. Maybe it's just me...
- My studio space. It's my own personal safe haven. I can create and play and make a mess and then shut the door and start again tomorrow. We all need a place to nurture our soul and dream our dreams. If you don't have a room, start off small; maybe a chair or an unused corner of a room. Create it and make it your own sacred space for renewal and centering.
- Second chances. And third. And...
- Peanut butter. Chunky, of course. And popcorn with butter and parmesan cheese.
- People who know me and get me and love me in spite of me.
- Laughter. Holding your sides, gasping for air, being in kindergarden and getting taken to the nurse's office in a wheel chair because you can't stop laughing, laughter. True story.
- Blessings. The ones I'm aware of and the ones I haven't yet realized are blessings. Who said that we live life looking forward but understand life looking back? So true.
- My cats: Maxwell K. Magoo, Baron Gustav Von Schnickerdoodle, and Senior Gomez O'Brien Stinkbottom. Furry bundles of entertainment and love, 24/7.
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| Max |
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Gomez
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| Gus |
I hope you get the opportunity to spend time with those you love, enjoy some good food and conversation, and remember the blessings in your life. What are you thankful for?
Laure, it was an honor reading about your gratitude this past Thanksgiving. You reminded me that I have an awful lot to be grateful for. I know you a bit better since I have met you twice. Both times in classes that you taught at Creative Cuts. By the way, I finished my blocks and love them. Your personal journaling on this blog has allowed me to see you as a normal human being, and you are such a beautiful and honest human being. Thank you for being forthright and funny in your thoughts and feelings during these therapeutic times. I look forward to reading more of yourself on this great and colorful blog. Thanks, Laure.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words and encouragement. I AM a normal human being trying to live in a world that can feel anything but normal. Just trying to figure out where I belong in this world, like everybody else. Believe me when I say that I don't always feel grateful. I used to, but lately it's been a struggle and something I have to work on every day. Numerous times every day. So many questions and so few answers. I do believe in the gift of resilience and the power of sharing your own personal story, so if my words can offer encouragement and support to someone else...well then, maybe that's enough. It is a start. Thanks again for reading and taking the time to comment; it reminds me that we are never alone on this journey.
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