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Explorations of mind, paths, and life

Gratitude & Change

Posted on November 26, 2009 - Filed Under self reflect

As I rumble through the kitchen, checking the turkey and stirring pots of yummy food, I am filled with love, gratitude, sadness, and joy. This has been a tough year for me, full of changes in my life and of those I love, but with change comes opportunity for new perspectives and a new sense of self. This year I have a modest collection of friends of family to share in a meal. Of all the holidays, there is something really nice about cooking for thanksgiving. I love preparing the Turkey, checking on it. I grow more skilled (nervously skilled – I am far from a confident cook) as I fill the house with the smell of homemade cookies and juicy turkey.

I don’t feel quite as alone this thanksgiving as I had last year. I have spent almost a month between The Colombians, my mother, and a week visit from my sister. Although they all returned home, I was blessed to have my high school best friend arrive earlier this week with her boys, and today the six of us sit together to converse and eat and fill our bellies.

I am so full of gratitude for friends and family. My husband, despite changes in our relationship, continues to be a strong loving presence in my life and that of Justin. My sister, again, fills me with such love for life and playful spirit that I go weeks feeling high. My son, who simply makes me laugh and offers such tenderness to others, make me so proud. My dad, whose ongoing presence is my security blanket… my homebase no matter what. My beautiful mother, who I spent such a wonderful time with this last 6 weeks, whose strength and courage and loving energy remind me I am not alone and I am well loved. And, my friend Carol, who I have so enjoyed having around this week, reminding me that distance makes no difference in matters of the heart and connection. I am beyond words. I know I am loved. I know I am not alone. AND I am grateful.

Comments

2 Responses to “Gratitude & Change”

  1. PiTo on November 26th, 2009 5:27 pm

    Pito's (almost always) here! Miss you too, but as Arnold says, "I'll be back".

  2. Anonymous on November 27th, 2009 11:20 am

    And Mami said( I am your shadow for eternity) I am so grateful, too for the time shared with you and your family in Florida.
    It was so much fun the trip to San Augustin, the dinner by the ocean, our walk on the beach, the spiritist experience, and the best of all, having the opportunity of kissing and loving you.
    You are precious and a mountain of strengh.
    Te amo,y que Dios bendiga todo lo tuyo.
    Mami