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.

Thankful

I should be trying to finish my Nano project, writing articles for the paper or housework but I am going to take a few moments to write about Thankfulness.

I just got off the phone with Ryan MacGrath, a young musician in Halifax who I am doing a feature article on this week, and before I could write one word I was overwhelmed with joy. My life could not possibly be better. I am doing the job I was made for; working at the paper, raising the family I always wanted and living in a town that makes me smile everyday. How I got so lucky I'll never know. Life has certainly not always been this easy.

Just three and a half short years ago I returned to North America with no money or prospects. I had one small child and was expecting another. I was living in my aunts front room. I had no idea how I was going to take care of my family.

Things have certainly turned themselves around. After one year in the US I was forced to return home to Canada, it was not a choice I would have made if I'd had my druthers. I came back to my home town and lived the first month at my fathers' house with a 6 week old baby and a 2 year old. What was going to happen next?

Little by little things started to get better. I got some money both from the government and from my childrens' father. I moved into my own apartment. In the fall I started to work for my cousin as a babysitter. After working as a teacher and journalist for 10 years overseas, this was a big adjustment. My self esteem and prospects were both feeling low. I had a Masters degree and this was my job. I thought I would leave Canada as soon as the kids were of an age to travel.

Things continued to get better but not before they got worse. The following September I had no job. Money was very tight and I was very worried about how to keep food and heat in the house. Then, the perfect job for me was advertised in the paper; a writer of community histories was wanted. I interviewed for the job. It went great. I didn't get the position. WTF.

Several weeks after I had lost the job that would have been perfect for me I got a call and was asked if I was still available. The person who had got the job had left it for an even better job. I was quick to say yes.

I worked all winter and got my contract extended into the spring. The job finally ended in June and I was sure of another position with them in the fall. It was a good summer- free of financial worries and time off with the kids. Or so I thought.

Out of the blue, I got a call from a nearby university asking me to teach a summer course to foreign students. It was a short contract but the pay was significant. Again, I said yes and went to work at 6:45 every morning to drop the kids at daycare and pick them up after 5, arriving home at 6 or 6:30. It was a tough 5 weeks but getting back into teaching was good for me.

Now I really was going to take a break. I had my hours and was about to become a EI bum for the first time in my life.

Except, there was a job posted on the EI website for a graphic designer at our local paper. I know nothing about graphic design but have done lots of jobs that I learned on the fly. I applied. I didn't get the job. Instead I got hired on as copy editor and reporter-the job I was really qualified to do.

And so, now I am working on stories, raising my kids and loving my hometown and the life we have here.

Regards,
A very thankful woman.