Reflecting upon what Thanksgiving was like growing up as a child and young adult. Family looked different then. The entire extended family got together each Thanksgiving and we ate together, laughed together and prayed together. I was looking through photos of Thanksgiving past and it brought such mixed emotions to the surface.
Those memories are the ones that made us who we are as adults. I never realized how truly blessed I was to have such a great family who came together and celebrated as family each year. Then one by one they began to pass on. My great-grand father, aunts, uncles, mom, grandparents and daughter.
Thanksgiving has never been the same for me.
Thanksgiving this year hits different because our home is still awaiting repairs from Milton and it just doesn’t seem the same. Being unable to decorate and put our treasured family trinkets and mementos out means more than I used to think.
Thanksgiving this year means spending time with our “framily” and celebrating our long-time friendship. Getting away and spending time with our extended family “framily” helps to reset our faith that life will get back to normal soon. And while the blessings this year are ones that are not easily seen, they are strongly felt.
Simple Blessings
I am blessed that I can still breathe
I am blessed that I can still see
I am blessed that I can still laugh
I am blessed that I can still cry
I am blessed that I am alive
This year look at your simple blessings and try to find that while your life may be totally different than what you would have wanted or asked for, it’s the simplicity of life that makes it easier to see what is truly important.
Until next time,
M
Unimaginable Grief Unexpected Blessings 
Hello, Ive been following you for some years now, and can say that Im suffering unimaginable grief which gets worse and worse over the year. My 23 year-old was killed in a car accident in 2012. Exactly like you, one by one, my most wonderful family have gone, all of them, except two brothers who are on another continent in mind, spirit and body. My husband is currently in ICU, bone cancer etc etc etc, he has been very ill for two years now I don’t have time to write much now, am running on pure stress. I feel that I have been alienated from friends, due to my years of bad news, one thing after the other. I live in Nairobi in a lovely old house, and you are more than welcome to visit, any time you like. Just walking around the garden is the most incredible blessing one could ask for right now. Sarah
Hi Sarah, I’m so sorry you continue to suffer such stress and grief. I pray your for you both. Thank you for the invitation. Your garden sounds lovely. Thank you as always for taking the time to post a comment.