Corner of Blessings & Gratefullness

It may be early, but Thanksgiving is the time of year to count your blessings. The problem is, most of us seem to get too caught up in cooking and decorating and rushing off to parties that sometimes we forget to stop and take a moment to slow down and enjoy the actual reason and meaning for the season. So what’s the reason for THIS season? Thankfulness! Here are some things that I’m giving thanks for along with a couple acts of kindness. 

Family is the leader among most of being thankful for. Nothing can replace family no matter how much we try, we just can't fill the void. Having lost my mother almost 2 years ago, I understand the true meaning behind "thankfulness". She always seemed to make a big fuss about family gathering. She didn't care if food was absent, your presence shouldn't be. She wanted my sister and I there, along with other invited family members. Her apartment would be filled with succulent aromas of turkey and dressing, fresh baked sweet potato pies, peach cobbler (her favorite) and other tasty dishes. We often make our own specialty dishes and bring them to have extras to help feed the masses. After bowing our heads giving thanks; we eat!  Full and near sleepy, we stroll down memory lane, poke fun at one another and share a tear or two. But, now that is a memory. Which I'm thankful for having. Mom made a lot of things possible, but not just during the holidays- she influenced our lives to be great at whatever we may do. Last year was hard. Its was our first year without her. Devastated and empty we refused to celebrate any holidays. So this year instead of feeling sorry for ourselves and wallow in self pity we're going to lift our eggnog filled glasses to give praise and thanks!


We sometimes take our health for granted, But seeing my sister's wife battle cancer was a wake up call to better care for myself and loved ones. Witnessing her physical and emotionally strain  her body endures from chemo and radiation treatment is heartbreaking. Later she lost all her hair. Although, my sister carried a torch of strength, it was diminishing...slowly. Crying herself to sleep- heavy burdens weighed her down. Everyday is a struggle, but being a strong, determined support system we conquer daily battles and reap the benefits in prayer. We're only issued one, take care of it; mind, body and spirit. Focus on your health and what matters most. Celebrate your health and be thankful for it!

In the center of Thanksgiving...is FOOD! All the lip-smacking, eye popping, belly aching goodies cover cover tables an counter tops. From stuffed turkey, casseroles and favorite fixin's that weigh down plates and hips, we can't wait feed our faces. However, there are others who are less fortunate. Some who aren't able to have a bounty of a delicious spread. But we can make a deep impact. Invite a less fortunate family over for dinner or donate a meal to a family. It gives them a sense of hope and goodness in the community. For it is better to give than receive. Everyday is an opportunity to be an enormous difference in someone's life.

Lastly, Love. Love what you do and the ability to do it. More importantly love each other. Couples hold your spouse close, share intimate thoughts and uplift one another. Love thy neighbor. Be blessed to have someone to watch over your home while you're away or a delightful hello by a friendly stranger. Be thankful for all things we take for granted because you don't need the last Thursday in November to do that.  So from  morning breath... until your last breath...remain thankful.