Thanksgiving In the Shadow of Loss

Thanksgiving thoughts...

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on giving thanks. For some people that may be an easy task, for others the reasons for giving thanks may be more difficult. Often, when you lose someone you love in any way, the holidays shift from a time of joy to a time when the missing becomes unbearable.

As Thanksgiving approached this year with its focus on family coming together, the heaviness of loss began to overcome me, but I pushed myself to focus on what I'm thankful for. I realized that even in the wake of such devastating loss, I still have much to be grateful for. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband Steve and my boys John and Matt who give me a reason to get up each day and make our house a home. I’m thankful for the gift of my precious son T.J. and the years I had him here on this earth. I'm thankful for the gift of family and friends who I have in abundance and for the community who continues to embrace us as we travel our journey of loss. I'm thankful for our dog, Cody who is a steadfast presence in our lives.

Most of all I am thankful for love. Love that comes in ways we expect from family and those closest to us, but also love that comes from all those around us if we just open our hearts to it. Love comes in the many small acts of kindness that are directed at us everyday—a smile from someone you pass in the store, the driver who lets you go. There is love in the summer sunshine; the changing leaf colors in the fall, the first winter snowfall and the new growth that comes in the spring. I am thankful for all the love that surrounds me each and everyday and I am thankful I am able to open my heart and mind to receive this precious gift.

So my hope is that today and everyday, even in the shadow of tremendous loss and a heavy heart you can feel the energy of love that surrounds you. Posted with love and T.J. hugs