Tis the Season of Thanksgiving in the U.S., so I will pause a moment to reflect on things that I am grateful for. There is no way that I could mention everything. That list runs deep and wide. But, here are a few things that have been on my mind of late. So, I’ll write about them, a small sample of things for which I am much obliged.
I am Thankful for all the people who have come into my life. Some have dropped in and left, some have stayed. No matter how long our interactions, each person has left a mark on me in some way. Thank God for them all. I am thankful for people who have loved me, supported me, challenged me, respected me, questioned me, encouraged me, helped me, baffled me, forgiven me, and more.
I am Thankful that I was lucky enough to teach children for much of my life. While I spent hours preparing myself and teaching, I am first to admit that the kids taught me a great deal. With their new beginnings, their questions about life, their acceptance of others, their blind faith, their willingness to learn…..they kept me grounded by seeing the world through the eyes of a child. I revisit those messages all the time.
I am Thankful for Dr. M, Dr. H, and Dr. W, whose deft surgeons’ hands improved the quality of my life over the last few years. I appreciate all the supporting characters who smoothed my transition from hobbled to healthy. I am so grateful to put some of my ailments behind me so that I can keep putting one foot in front of the other, doing my best to spread good in the world.
I am Thankful for the Health Insurance Companies that had a part in my surgeries. Yes, I fret and fuss about the inefficiencies, absurdities, and predatory nature of Medical Health Insurance in regards to everyday healthcare. I can go on quite a rant. But, thanks to Health Insurance, under catastrophic care I paid thousands instead of hundreds of thousands of dollars to get various parts of my body fixed. Not everyone is so blessed.
I am Thankful for everyone in the service industry who caters to my needs. I know the hours are long, the pay is low, and the customers are often annoying. I thank the workers for their patience. If they are not particularly patient, then I thank them for providing a teachable moment for me or someone else in their service orbit. I appreciate their efforts, I really do.
I am Thankful for those who dream, who aren’t content with things as they are. Those who push the limits. The pioneers, the trailblazers, the poets, the innovators, the entrepreneurs, the risk-takers. I might not always agree with them or appreciate their direction or focus, but I commend them for their daring. I appreciate their willingness to go where man has not gone before. It encourages me to dream. To wake up and consider—“What if I (blank, blank, blank)?” or “What if WE (blank, blank, blank)?” or “Would it be possible to (blank, blank, blank)?”
Likewise, I am Thankful that I have freedom to dream. Some of my dreams are becoming reality. Some are hovering as inspiration for me to move forward and strive for new plans, new experiences, new relationships. Always changing, ever growing.
I am Thankful for the simple pleasures in life. The things that give my heart a lift as I go through my day. Things that give me comfort, make me smile, tickle my fancy, and reassure me that life is somewhat under control. Little nods along the way that whisper, “This is your life, Gwen, and it ain’t half bad.”
Here I have only scratched the surface of Things that I am Thankful For. I will continue to privately acknowledge other things during this season of Thanks. I think it is good to verbalize appreciation, even if only to oneself. Just to assess the state of things, get one’s thoughts in order, and recognize the interconnectedness and interdependence of all our lives. I am much obliged to so many.
In closing, here are a few inspirational messages of Thanksgiving. Let's hope and pray for a peaceful Season of Thanks.
