This week we in the United States, as well as our citizens scattered throughout the world, celebrate Thanksgiving. Tradition calls for the turkey, cranberries, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and a plethora of fattening delicacies that, as tradition also mandates, we are to enjoy guilt-free regardless of how we might later pay for such indulgences.
Albeit something I ought to practice more readily in my life, I also find myself forced to slow down and reflect on all I have to be thankful for. This is a hard time of year for me in that blood-line family is located so far away that it is pretty much impossible for holidays to be spent together. The cold, dark weather always draws me into hibernation mode. Heartache that is inevitable with the dark memories surrounding my father's death at Christmastime also seeks me out no matter how hard I might try to hide from it. Two close friends both have their fathers critically hospitalized right now, both as of this week; it seems that others are starting to catch up and, although I want to be able to do what I so needed from others when my father died, I am finding it emotionally impossible for me to do anything but pray for the well-being of all involved.
Perhaps selfish, but I just cannot put myself through the wrenching emotions it all causes deep in my soul. At least their fathers got to know their grandchildren, have relationships with them and see them grow into beautiful young people while developing adult relationships with their own children. Much like me and both my grandfathers, my children never knew their grandfather. He was days away from receiving his first retirement check when he died. The two fathers now hospitalized are much older and have lived a much more complete life. Yes, it is sad but they have also come much closer to living our socially-defined full cycle of life. Yes, I think it's unfair, because I am selfish. But I also recognize Life is unfair and there isn't anything I can do about that. It all just hits too close to home for me still. So I stay my distance.
Funny how strong we can convince ourselves we are, but when said strength is tried our weaknesses shine forth with greater force.
*---*
I spent the weekend completely engaged with the little monkeys! As my weekends are currently running a Friday-Saturday schedule with Sunday-Thursday students, I do the best I can to maximize our time together on Friday evening as soon as Princesita is home from school. This time spent together made me reflect actively on the deep gratitude I feel for so much in my life. This will be my serious list, due to the tone of the post. In a couple of days I will then post my not-so-serious Thanksgiving list when I have a bit less work and a bit more cranberries and stuffing on my mind.
What am I thankful for? No elaboration needed:
My beautiful children
My God
My friends
My garden
My family
My health
My home
My business
My students
My talents to make this happen for me
My opportunities
My cat
The food on my table
Enough money to live on
Warmth
Music
Love
Peace
My emotions
All of you, some who come and go and others who stay and 'virtually' complete my life
The most sincere of Thanksgiving wishes, warmth, blessings and love, from Mama Llama to YOU!
domingo, 23 de noviembre de 2008
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This will be my first Thanksgiving ever away from my children, and I turned down the invitation to visit other family for similar reasons. It just hit too close to the sadness I was feeling. But you are so right - the list of what I am thankful for is also long. A very hapy Thanksgiving to you as well.
ResponderEliminarI second this list and am thankful for meeting you this year. Best of Thanksgiving wishes to you Ms Llama. May it be a warm one filled with love and gratitude.
ResponderEliminarBeing thankful is a great way to help yourself feel good. It's something I have to remind myself of this time of year - the holidays have sucked ever since I divorced, and I've found that just getting out cycling helps me a lot. I guess I'm grateful for my health and my bike (and the California weather!)
ResponderEliminarGreat list!! Thank you for sharing it.
ResponderEliminarI hope this Thanksgiving brings you even more blessings!
((hugs))
Happy Thanksgiving dear Mama Llama - Thanksgiving's such a lovely American tradition. I pray that it is the beginning of a happier year for you.
ResponderEliminarHappy Thanksgiving Dear!
ResponderEliminarMy dad was 58 when he died. I was 22. I still miss him like crazy but at least our family is together during the holidays and I am never far from my sister and mom.
ResponderEliminarGood thankful list.
I hope you have a good Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving!
ResponderEliminarI hope you have a great one Mapi.
ResponderEliminarYou deserve it darlin'.....