Monday, November 22, 2010

Let's Be Thankful Every Day, by Barbara Sparks

Recently my son decided, after listening to the CD series by Anthony Robbins, that we should start our morning walks by saying things for which we are grateful.  It has been a wonderful activity for us. Though Thanksgiving is a time when we think of our blessings, it is important that we think of our blessings every day not, just one day a year.  

As Thanksgiving approaches, I think about how I celebrated Thanksgiving 12 years ago.  I went to the store to buy all the traditional items for a Thanksgiving meal.  All of my life my mother had cooked the Thanksgiving meal. However, since my mother passed away three days before Thanksgiving I was to prepare the meal for my cousins who flew in for her funeral, which was to take place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  I, of course, said, “Don’t worry.  I’ll cook the meal.” Unfortunately. on Thanksgiving Day  no one was able to cook, so we all went to Hometown Buffet instead.

I remember what my mother said a week before she died.  She said, “Barbara you have to let me go.  God has blessed me with 80 years.”  In response, I said. “God has blessed me with you for 55 years.”  I think about that time and all the other times in my life when my mother had always found the bright side of difficult situations and made me remember that in all things to be grateful.  She was a continuous inspiration to me throughout my life. 

Since my mother is no longer here to celebrate Thanksgiving with me, I now have a new Thanksgiving tradition.   Every Thanksgiving my son and I travel to Olympia, Washington where I enjoy Thanksgiving with my uncle, three cousins and their children.  It is wonderful to share the holiday with family.  We enjoy a delicious feast that is cooked by my uncle, two of my cousins and my cousin’s daughter while we share family stories.   The house is filled with the aroma of turkey, dressing, green beans, mustard and collard greens, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato pie and the sounds of laughter and love. I am so grateful to be able to enjoy this time with them.

So as we approach this wonderful time of year let’s all think about our blessings which include family and friends. Each day, remember to celebrate life and the events that bring a smile to your face.

Happy Thanksgiving

5 comments:

  1. Barbara, It is nice that you have started a new tradition that leaves you feeling connected to love ones; weaving more Thanksgiving memories.

    Happy Holiday, Yolanda

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  2. Barbara, how thankful you must be to have a son who appreciates life and wants to give thanks each morning with you. Giving thanks for everyday things makes us appreciate life even more so until we at last can give thanks for those things we normally wouldn't give thanks for. I'm sorry your mother is gone but leaving when she did I believe makes Thanksgivng a day not only of thanks but it becomes a memorial for her in which you can celebrate with your uncle and the rest of your family. God's blessing to you on this special day.

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  3. Dear Barbara,
    Thank you for sharing your Thanksgiving story with us which goes beyond the special holiday that it represents. It is also about being thankful for everyday things. You and your son certainly have a wonderful relationship and share so many meaningful activities which translate into wonderful memories. Wishing you not only a Happy Thanksgiving but a happy life together.

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  4. Yes, my fellow thankful ones.....
    Barbara, Yolanda, Evalyn, Charlene, Bonnie and all,

    Thanksgiving isn't only about being thankful one day a year
    or when the sun comes out.....
    It's learning how to enjoy and dance in the rain and storms as well.

    I wish you happy THANK-FEEL-NESS DAYS all year....Peggy

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  5. From Kacie:


    Barbara,
    Thank you for reminding us of the importance of being thankful for our blessings... every day. It's so true. It keeps on blessing us when we are thankful for even the tiniest things.
    You sure got me to thinking about my sweet Mother. She had the same attitude as your wonderful MOther.
    God bless,
    Kacie

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