“Thankfuls” and “Unthankfuls”
When my children were young, we used to pass a candle on Sunday nights and take turns saying what we were thankful for. On one of those occasions, our younger son announced, “Let me just start with my unthankfuls.”
So, I’ll follow suit. I am unthankful for the current administration which has, within less than a year, done so much damage to so many people and our institutions. My heart hurts as I think about the innocent immigrants being swept up in a reign of terror. There are days when I don’t even recognize my own country.
Photo by Stephanie Klepacki on Unsplash
But I also know how much I’m thankful for all the blessings in my personal life. As the old adage goes, it’s vital to “count your blessings.” Here’s just a partial list of mine:
- My husband who is the kindest, funniest, and most thoughtful person on the planet. Not only that, but he loves to cook, and his food is fabulous! I really lucked out to get to share my life with him.
- My children, their partners, and my grandchildren who bring me joy every day and who are genuinely lovely, kind humans!
- My sisters who are also my friends. I feel so fortunate to still have them and I love our weekly Zooms. Even better is when we get to do our sister reunions.
- My close friends who are so dear to me. You know who you are!
- My work! Who knew I would end up as a writer after decades in dance? I am so fortunate to have found a second career in a creative endeavor.
- My North Enders writer’s group. How amazing to be in a group with such wonderful writers who offer plenty of encouragement, along with honest critique.
- The creative writing student I’m mentoring at the Louisville Academy of Fine Arts. She’s amazingly gifted and at fifteen, is writing a novel. I tease her that she is “fifteen going on thirty-five.”
- Singing! All my life, music has been my love. And now I get to sing our original music while my husband plays the guitar.
- More singing! I’m a member of a senior chorale, Joyous Singers. We perform for folks in assisted living and senior health facilities. It is special to share our love of singing with other seniors.
- Books, bookstores, and libraries. I absolutely love to read and feel so lucky to live my life surrounded by books. I love the statement, “It’s not hoarding if it’s books.”
I could go on, but you get the idea. As I think about all I have to be grateful for this Thanksgiving weekend, I realize I am one lucky person. I’d love to know what you are thankful for!