"Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one. "
~John Lennon


Thursday, November 28, 2013

Truly Thankful

Today is Thanksgiving Day. Another reason to update my Grateful List.

My children are at the top of my list. I found myself in awe so much of the time watching them grow themselves into adults. I was sort of a guide but they had the instinct and stamina it took to be my children and to love me with my failings and what appeared to be mistakes. They always knew I loved them beyond description, accepted them unconditionally, accepted the role of single parent and always made the best of it. To hear them describe their childhoods, they thought I did a good job. Amen.

My friends are next on my list. I have a few over fifty year friends who still love me even knowing me through my stupid times. I have a dear friend for over 20 years who lives too far away but has been a life saver and sees me through rose colored glasses. And the close friends I have developed here in my new town over the last three years are awesome. What a blessing to be "just me" with them and be in a family of loving friends and never feel alone with my children so many miles away. Thanks for all my friends.

My blog friends are next on my list. I think I began blogging in 2005. Did I ever imagine that I would have the blessing of making friends online at that time? No. No idea at all. Through the blogging years we have shared sadness and joy, been there in ways we couldn't describe to a non-blogger, building stronger ties each year. Three blogging cheers for my loving and caring blogging buddies around the world!

I am grateful for the various people who have come in and out of my life. I learned lessons from so many people who have helped me on my journey of growth and healing and education and eye opening jolts. I hope I may be some part of other people's journeys and play some part in their healing and growth as well.

Of course, I am grateful to have a safe place to live, a loving cat Lola, comfortable furniture, a great computer, good food, books, music, and a low maintenance vehicle.  More importantly, I appreciate having good health, good eyes, good hearing, and a fairly decent mind.

Thanksgiving Day is being spent with my good friends at their home in the country, taking it easy and each of us doing what we want during the day. I made lasagna using strips of zucchini instead of pasta, and a pumpkin pie. This coming Saturday their children and grands will be all over their house and yard and it will be a fun and full family Thanksgiving gathering, with a traditional meal,  which I am blessed to be part of.

Happy Thanksgiving, dear family and friends. I hope your Grateful List is one that you reflect upon many times throughout this coming year. And may I be part of that list as well. Hugs to each of you.

11 comments:

Ms. A said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Friend! Lola, too!

Brian Miller said...

most of my list is covered in people as well..those that make life what it is for me...thank you for being a part of it as well cici...smiles.

Rock Chef said...

Happy Thanksgiving - I always feel left out at this time of year :-(

DJan said...

Yes, CiCi, you are part of my Grateful list indeed. What a fine post, filled with love, light, and lots of gratitude. Sending you cyber hugs and love! :-)

Jeanie said...

This is all so well said, Cici. I especially love what you said about your children...so close to my own feelings.
Happy Thanksgiving.

stephen Hayes said...

Wishing you a peaceful and Happy Thanksgiving. Take care and enjoy the holiday.

Hilary said...

Oh CiCi, you are indeed. What beautiful sentiments and expression of gratitude. Wishing you a beautiful Thanksgiving.

Zucchini strips.. love that.

Liz Mays said...

You deserve this idyllic and peaceful part of your life. It's wonderful to hear of your happiness and contentment.

Abby said...

Excellent list CiCi! I always leave here feeling happy :). Happy Thanksgiving (a little late). Care to share your lasagna recipe??

Stickup Artist said...

Happy Thanksgiving a few days late! I'm thankful that you are out there and I've enjoyed your blog immensely. I love your honesty and spirit, the way you think and the way you live. I look forward to another year of sharing. XXOO

terri said...

You are definitely on my grateful list. I learn so much from you. You take things in stride, with such a sense of calm and peace. You open yourself to new possibilities and seem to find a silver lining in everything that happens. I'm so grateful you chose to write about your experiences online. You are such a positive influence to all of your readers.