Nov 27 2008
A Moment of Thanks
Being over 50 means I spend more time reflecting on my life than I ever did before. Maybe that’s because I have a lot more life under my belt to reflect on than I ever did before. At no time is the sharp jab of reflection felt more strongly than on a holiday. Today, Thanksgiving Day 2008, is no exception.
My husband and I were fortunate enough to share part of this day with my sister and one of my brothers. I am the youngest of the siblings by quite a few years (actually I have always thought I was an accident, but my parents denied it even though they couldn’t quite contain a little smile while doing so). And, since I have admitted to being over 50, that gives you the idea that my siblings are well into their sixties.
I have so many memories of the time when we were young; when our parents were still around to give advice; when most of our lives were still ahead of us and we had big plans and grand dreams.
Today, we all have a pretty good idea of how the course of our lives has played out. We know in large part what we might expect of the future. We have gained enough wisdom to figure out how to control what we can control and how to give up worrying about what we can’t control.
As I look around, however, I can’t help but reflect on the people, the places, the times and experiences that have passed before us, only to find life in our memories. I am grateful.
At 52, my life is good. My health, on this day, is still excellent. My finances are in order. My goals are being pursued. I have good people and good times at this point in my life. I believe more good is ahead of me.
To those people who have given me strength, hope, education and a desire to pursue my own happiness, I want to give thanks. Many of them don’t walk this earth any longer. Others have only a small role to play at this point in time. Still others encompass my world today. To quote a common cliche on the day, “It’s all good.”
