My Thankfuls (and My Unthankfuls)
I’ve often told the story of how when my sons were growing up, we used to pass the candle around the dinner table on Sunday nights and talk about what we felt thankful for. One Sunday, our younger son announced, “Let me just start with my un-thankfuls.”
Of course, he was right. There are invariably things going on in our lives that we’re not so thankful for, and it can be a relief to share them. Speaking personally, I am not thankful that on the day we’re celebrating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., we’re ushering in a new administration I have profound disagreements with, and which frankly, I find horrifying. I suppose I should be grateful that I don’t live in Greenland.
But I digress! Mostly, I’m feeling very thankful. My novel, MISSING MOM, is out in the world, and I’ve tried really hard to do a better job of “shameless self-promotion”—letting folks know the book is out. I’m so grateful to the generous authors who’ve invited me to guest on their blogs and have interviewed me for their podcasts. I have to say that talking with other writers is a lot of fun. We all approach things differently, which makes the writing life so much more interesting.
I’m also so thankful that a new semester has begun, and I’ve resumed mentoring and working with a gifted 14-year-old writer who’s working on a novel. I think I learn as much from her as she learns from me! I began working with her when she was twelve, and it’s been such a joy to watch her grow and develop as a writer.
Moreover, I’m filled with gratitude that I have a supportive family, especially a husband who encourages my writing and doesn’t complain when I shut the door to work. No matter what our passions are, we all need folks who are in our corner.
So, overall, I’d have to say that even though I’m dreading tomorrow’s change in administration, I’m trying really hard to focus on all there is in my life to be thankful for.
Which is a lot.