Look at all the beauty and bounty around us. There is something to be said about this time of year in all its glory. From the vibrant colours sweeping across the forests, to the red dirt turned soil, to the overflowing potato filled potato trucks, to the smell of fresh baked apple pie and homemade sour dough bread, to the crisp mornings with the sun glistening on the still waters, and the unbelievable generosity of fellow neighbours lending a hand to those in need. Time of giving and caring. Of course, one has to remember the season of being grateful has very slow but huge farmer traffic that one follows and you have to have the patience of Job – no offence farmers. And yes their vehicle leavings on the paved roads leave much to be desired after washing the truck for the umpteenth time.
Yet, funnily enough I. Am. In. A. Place. Of. Gratitude. Even though the summer was kind of a shaking me up to the core of my being kind of time and really would rather it not have happened ….well where does one find the gratitude? Losing my parents within nine days of one another took the wind out of my sails. More like the earth beneath my feet. Yet the inevitable knowledge as taught by our Lord, that we do not need to worry for each of us will be taken care of, there is a light in the darkness.
The night before my dad passed away he had spoken to me about living fully and go out and be happy. My favourite phrase with him and he would laugh away, “shoot me now dad.” Oh dad (and mom) life unfolds and continues regardless of what has happened. And yes we are born, we live, and we die. Circle of life. Yes. So to be in gratitude, look for the happy and gratefulness. Where to begin?
Standing then kneeling at my folks gravesite last week, I have to say I smiled. The resting place where my parents layed, right below my dad’s parents, it allowed the tears to flow freely, grieving and celebrating all at the same time. I talked to them on the dew laden grass, wiping the leaves and debris off their headstone. Placing a kiss on their names, my heart beat loudly. Oh but the feeling of love and loss and reality of no more the feel of their skin. Yet, I felt a bit of peace knowing they are all good. The sun filtering through the trees with a blue sky and puffy wisps of clouds. Blessed place to be with them. Thank you.
The happy has been surrounding me unknowingly, I guess maybe the fog has lifted a wee bit. The four of us, meaning my siblings, have created a group chat that we have been using since the summer. We have not had this much communication since forever. And I love it. And so it seems do my siblings as we touch base weekly if not more to share, to chat, to express thoughts. Just be adult siblings. Who would have thought!!! It is said tragedy brings people together. Maybe when life shakes you up, tasting like lemon, you find a way to make lemonade!! Grateful to them.
Two days ago I went to see my dad’s cousin and her family in NB, delivering a hug and celebration of life card. It felt so so good to be there. A few tears as we shared our stories. Hospitality and love abounded. Maritime graciousness and warm welcome. I even took a drive to where my dad was born, to a place my folks took us every summer since I was a baby. At first I could not find it because my memory and where it was…did the house move? Sheesh. But no it was there but the long lane up to the old farm house was filled in with these long tallish trees and I could only catch a glimpse of its peak. Wouldn’t that be welcomed, a stranger going up a drive and taking a picture of the old homestead. Yeah, not happening. I mean stranger danger. But I really wanted to. Anyway, as I drove home, I ate a snack pack that my dad’s cousin put together for me. Love her for that. Grateful for down home and family.
So as I prepare for a fun time with one of my granddaughters today as we have a date for a Turkey Tavern Thanksgiving meal, I feel so blessed. Blessed to have family and friends in my life who fill my cup to overflowing. That in dark moments, lanterns glow and shine their light in unexpected ways. So let the rain pour down today, literally, as I take stuff to the dump…an exciting adventure for sure. Get me ready for a day filled with stories that my grandchild will share and tell me what I can and cannot do as we spend the day and night together. Yep. I am in gratitude.
Be safe family and friends wherever you may be and have a most wondrous day. Happy Thanksgiving especially to you mom and dad. Blessings.
Let us pray for those who are in need of our prayers and for those hands who have prepared Thanksgiving for all those in need. Amen
Karenpondering 