…back in Kansas, there is much to be thankful for.
Little kids and their great sense of style. How can you go wrong with a red glitter visor and patriotic tutu skirt? Not to mention the confidence to wear it in public!
Rain that brings the temperature out of the “hazardous” range and offers a life saving drink to the outdoor plants.
Watermelon. Cold, juicy watermelon.
Summer binge reading.
An example of graciousness: Sunday at church an elderly gentleman mistook a decorative gem stone for a mint, placing it in his mouth and causing concern among the crowd. I attempted to get him to spit it out for fear he would choke, but only succeeded in confusing and embarrassing him. Soon after, a lady sitting near us reached for her purse. Pulling out a tissue she lightly folded it into a square, leaned over to him and said, “When you are finished with what you have in your mouth go ahead and slip it into the tissue.” Genius, unadulterated genius. He swished the hard stone around his mouth a couple more times before discretely depositing it into the tissue. Not only did she stave off a choking disaster, she allowed him to retain his dignity. Her gracious act was a thing of beauty.
Sun tea by the gallon. Cold and crisp.
Mammographic proof of healthy breasts. And 364 days of smoosh-free existence. I am never quite ready for my close-up.
Watching my friend at her father’s funeral this week, I was reminded of my mom’s funeral a few years ago. My kids surrounded me with both physical and emotional support. It is one of my earliest memories of them all three as adults, roles reversed with them caring for me. The pride and affection of the memory is still as strong as it was in the moment; I am tremendously grateful for these three people who make life pretty much as good as it gets.
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The entry above was written several summers ago. I happened across it today as I was deleting some old files from my computer, and it was a timely reminder of how much of what is really good in life remains the same from year to year. As another week comes to an end I remain thankful for all that gives refreshment, for the love of family, the company of friends, the innocence of childhood, the written word, and fathers. This week I am especially thankful that I never had to face the possibility of someone beyond my control separating me from my children; and though it has been far too long in coming I am grateful that faith leaders are raising their voices to say that our government doing this to families is morally and spiritually wrong.
Your "recycled" post is a perfect illustration of how the foundation of gratitude carries from year to year.
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to wrap my head around the news lately. My heart aches for children separated from their parents. No matter the circumstance (children of illegal immigrants, children in the foster care system, children of prisoners, children of hospitalized parents, orphans) the children are not to blame, yet they carry the pain. As an adoptive parent of children adopted from the foster care system, I've seen first-hand how complex the issues can be. I don't have the answers. Should children of illegal immigrants be treated differently than children of law-breaking US citizens? Are children of parents who are seeking asylum actually staying with their parents, as per immigration policy (as I understand it, which may or may not be accurate), or is policy being put aside? I don't know. I wish that those who are escaping persecution could find the US welcoming. I wish that adults would obey the law. I wish that all children could have stable, loving, safe families.
I did not know that you have adopted children from foster care! What an amazing gift for them--and I can only imagine--for you as well. Over the years I have worked with many children who have moved into and out of the foster care system. The wear and tear on the soul is incalculable. As you say, you know how complex the issues can be. God bless you for taking the risk and having the heart to do all that it took to provide home and family for a deserving child. You have my respect and gratitude.
DeleteWhat a lovely post. Doesn't matter new, old, the sentiment is the same, the thankfulness and awareness frozen in time. The beauty ever present in the "simple things", the small gestures, the uncomplicated pleasures of the day to day.
ReplyDeleteI do find that looking back from time to time helps define what it is I truly hold dear. Somehow that gave me a sense of security in a very uncertain time.
DeleteWhat a wonderful post, and a timely reminder of how precious our family connections are.
ReplyDeleteTreasures really!
DeleteEnjoyed the post. (For me) the TToT is forum for not only re-counting experiences that engender the emotion of gratitude, it is to provide the opportunity to identify with others of like mind.
ReplyDeleteIt really is true that we all have more in common than things that separates us.
DeleteWhat a wonderful repost.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely example of graciousness. I may have responded as you did, perhaps feeling the urgency of the moment. In recent years, I've often seen first hand how staying calm in the moment is the better thing to do, especially when there is concern about someone's safety.
Much gratitude for the other 364 days of the year free from the "smoosh free" experience. LOL
Yes, there is a reason that old British motto of Keep Calm and Carry On recently saw a resurgence! Good advice through the years.
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