Thanksgiving 2021

 

 

Two years ago, my children—aged 11 and 14-- made Thanksgiving dinner, alone at home. They connected with me via video chat to show me the abundance laid out on the table.

 

I was in the hospital an hour away with yet another bowel obstruction, facing the prospect of surgery.  

 

The first thing on my list to give thanks for this year, is that I am home with my children. Surgery wasn’t necessary two years ago, and unlike any run of good luck I have ever experienced in my life, I have not been admitted to hospital for an obstruction since Thanksgiving 2019.

 

I am thankful for my children, their wonderful talents, teachings and love.

 

Thankful for their friends who give me a few more people in the world to love.

 

Thankful for my father and stepmother and for living nearby so we can visit each other often.

 

That I have so many memories of all my grandparents and some of my great-grandparents and that I knew many of them in my adult life, not just as a child.

 

Thankful for my neighbours who keep an eye out for me as I keep an eye out for them.

 

For my friends who don’t care when I drop by.

 

Dogs that make me laugh numerous times every day.

 

For the man that showed me pictures of his dogs as we waited in line this week.

 

The dog trainer who has taught me so much—and the dog groomer who has similarly taught me so many things-- with patience.

 

London Writers’ Salon – that brought me a global writing community.

 

People in my community that say hi, smile and know my name.

 

My job feels impactful and has a purpose for the community.

 

Being part of the arts community in this rural area.

 

Working with others to bring good things to our community—arts, child care, Truth and Reconciliation, the fight against racism, etc.

 

The ever-changing beauty and calm of the beach.

 

When things break, I have the money to fix them.

 

My backyard which holds wonders.

 

That beauty is everywhere.

 

My house is warm and is heated by a southern exposure on sunny days.

 

That people appreciate my work- professional and volunteer.

 

When Hannah laughs at a poem I wrote.

 

The parents and community members that have helped me over the years to make my children’s lives better.

 

The local library: books, books, books—and the time to read them.

 

Going to the grocery store takes me a very long time because I have so many people to talk to.

 

Wonderful fall weather.

 

Cats that catch mice in this old house.

 

Sunset, sunrise and cotton candy skies.

 

Darker evenings so I can see the stars and put my Halloween lights on.

 

That apples have grown so well this year.

 

The things I take for granted most of the time in this place: power, water, food, housing, freedom, good governance, and police I trust.

 

Everyone in this house is vaccinated.

 

Repairs are starting on the house.

 

That when one bathroom is out of order—we have a second that works.

 

I successfully grew gladioli this year.

 

That we have pet fish again- I missed the sound of the fish tank.

 

The internet which makes my work possible and lets me stay in touch with friends and acquaintances around the world.

 

I have a big bed where my kids and I snuggle and have evening chats.

 

Dance parties with my girls.

 

The silence of a Sunday morning.

 

Days when I can take a break from being online.

 

The art in my house; that which was created here and reproductions of the masters.

 

I am thankful for all these things and more and I hope anyone who reads this list will make one of their own and add to it every day of the year.