Thankfulness

Greetings!

Today, officially known throughout America as Thanksgiving Day, commemorates the beginning of what is designated the holiday season.  Recognizing individual preferences, differences, and beliefs, I thought to share some thoughts on what gratitude means to me.

As a single parent who can now reflect back on what is known as the “Developmental Years”, in spite of how challenging the navigation of  the endless responsibilities were, I always find myself greeting those memories with a smile rather than a frown.  With laughter rather than sorrow except for the loss of my precious mom and dad, and with hope rather than doom.  To me and for me, this is gratitude.

Giving thanks is a daily devotion for me which I greet and embrace with the same vigor as I do hope.  I enjoy preparing a large festive feast for family and friends even though physical distance between my family continues to be a challenge. The matriarchial wisdom of elders has dwindled every year as precious elders and the library of their essence leave the physical realm.  This saddens me as I’ve grown closer to my remaining elders since the loss of both of my precious parents of whom I was extremely close to.

For the past fifteen years there was not a single holiday where my mother’s presence was absent.  She always sat at her designated place of honor as my son was taught, and understood how and why her presence was to always be honored and respected.  From being the first to be served to leading in prayer, it was important for me to teach him proper honor and respect of her.

Although this is our sixth holiday season without her, I still find myself looking at the “Right of Passage” serving line and seeing/feeling my mother’s absence and presence.  My son and I miss her beyond what words can describe and in these moments of sadness and loss, I still find gratefulness. Thanks that of all the arms I could have been placed in at birth, it was DC’s and Nel’s who enfolded me until they both took their last breaths of life.  They were love then, and they are love within my son and me today.

So as you gather whether with friends, family, or alone, take a few minutes to reflect upon your life. Where you have been, what you have struggled through, hurt through, loved through, fought through, forgave through, or healed through and I’m sure you will find at least one thing to be thankful for not on one specific day, but everyday.

I would love to hear from my followers what this time of year means to you regardless of tradition.  Would you share and let me know?

Gratitude.

Happy Holidays.