Thanksgiving alert - a new dish!
Thanksgiving alert! Thanksgiving alert!
Oh, wait, I bet you’re fully cognizant Thanksgiving is tiptoeing its way into your neighborhood. Am I right? So the planning has begun, often centered around serving the appropriate holiday food groups….
…..Turkey smothered in gravy, sweet potatoes with baby marshmallows, and pies (all with whipped cream)….
Oh my, I was deep into that food fantasy when, well, I’ll just say it, I discovered Todd had died. He was a 52-year-old former neighbor who moved to a different state several years ago. We’d kept in periodic touch by way of Facebook especially since he’d moved back to my hometown of Houston. Had the opportunity to catch up on his very happy second marriage, the deep, deep love for his wife (often expressed), and the growing menagerie of beloved critters (a mutual love on both our parts.) Todd was clearly happy, glowing even, in his Facebook posts. Glowing and growing.
It’s no wonder I felt stunned as I read his obituary, reminding me of all the reasons I’d had such respect for his essence. But never told him. Todd’s death made me aware that I rarely offer personal, heartfelt, thanks to others in my life for the gifts of their presence. Quite frankly, I’m afraid I’ll cry. As someone who is manifestly uncomfortable with sharing tears in public, you can imagine how this could be a large obstacle to offering heart-to-heart thanks to others.
But, hey, I’m still an evolving human being (as I know you are.) I’m willing to walk toward my fear of shedding tearful thanks for the unique gifts you’ve brought into my life. I don’t want to miss the opportunity as I did with Todd.
This year’s Thanksgiving has become multi-dimensional for me. No denying the great food (who’d want to anyway), but I’m also setting my heart on providing a significant dish of expressed gratitude for YOUR presence in my life. A conscious addition to all future Thanksgiving menus…
❤️ I’d be very grateful if you’d consider sharing “This Being Human Thing.” Who couldn’t use more heart and humor?
You are in my heart as I read this. Dear friends stopped by and we sat outside to catch up. She is immunocomprimised and that won't change . So we all air hug and pay close attention. Thanks for your addition to the menu. That's an easy one.
Thank you, Jan. And many of us today are setting OUR hearts on providing you with our gratitude for your presence in our lives as well. A happy thanksgiving day to you this week!