As we ponder Thanksgiving...

It’s almost Thanksgiving, again. Amazing how fast a year passes. Anyone who’s my friend me on Facebook knows that around this time of year, I dedicate myself to only posting positive thoughts in my updates. It’s not always easy, given that my life has potential for escalating stress and turmoil, but I do my best to stick to my resolution. Typically, I succeed without too much effort. This year, despite raising two almost three year olds, I have had good results. Yup, I refrain from posts such as “… has had a long ass day trying to keep two toddlers out of the fountain at the mall”. I keep those updates for my phone calls to my fellow moms/girlfriends.

The other day was National Premature day, celebrating premature babies and the medical professionals that care for them.  I embrace that thought, with more respect and admiration for the NICU staff that cared for my kids than I can possibly explain. Sometimes gratitude goes beyond words.

My kids are in preschool now and their class held a Thanksgiving feast. It was beyond adorable! All 12 kids in their little school routine, songs and games… what a beautifully chaotic sight. The best part? Watching my two little preemies, in amongst their little friends, totally normal little people. The value of that sight is immeasurable.  Beyond words. Beyond logic. It makes my heart hurt with joy.

I LOVE Thanksgiving. It’s definitely in my top ten of holidays. Not only is it a family holiday (making it immediately awesome) but it’s also the least materialistic holiday of the year. No presents to wrap, no cards to buy… it’s all about the enjoyment of those you love. Oh yeah, and eating as much good food as possible never hurts. It inspires people, even the least optimistic of us, to give thanks for what we have. Even if we yearn for more. And let’s be honest… we all yearn for more (or less) of something.

Sadly, it seems that Christmas invades earlier every year, converting Thanksgiving into a backburner holiday. It used to be an unwritten American law that Christmas decorations were banned until black Friday. Now, it’s not even thanksgiving yet and Christmas decorations have been ever present for weeks now. Christmas music is already playing in the stores.  It’s kind of sad, if you ask me.  Consumerism has officially taken over.  What’s next? Christmas in June? Yeech…

I have found a silver lining to this phenomenon, however. The Salvation Army bell ringers are out in force, located strategically in front of every supermarket and I am sieving the opportunity to morph this particular Christmas tradition with a Thanksgiving message. When we pass one of these bell ringers, we stop. Every time. I take two quarters out of my wallet. I give one to each kid and I remind them that there are kids who don’t always have yummy snacks and who don’t have toys. I explain how sad those kids are. Then, I tell them that this money will help buy yummy snacks and toys to make the sad kids happy again. They drop the coin in gleefully and I applaud. Do they get it? Hmmm… No, not really. But they do understand that they are helping. And I’m laying the foundation. They will get it someday and I’m starting now. Besides, kids always understand mature concepts before we expect them to.

Thinking about others who are in need makes me appreciate what I have.

So... This Thanksgiving. ..What am I thankful for?

I’m thankful that most of my loved ones are healthy and safe. Those that are in distress will survive their current situations, becoming stronger for having endured.

I’m thankful that my kids, despite a rough start in life, are growing up healthy and strong. Any of my gripes regarding their behavior are consistent with that of a “normal” child of their age and will pass as they get older.

I’m thankful for the balance of my life. Not only do I have the opportunity to spend good quality time with my kids and husband, but I also have access to a part time professional life that keeps my brain from getting too mushy or frustrated.

I’m thankful for my husband, a kind and strong man, and a great dad. He, along with my children, is my home.

I’m thankful for the friends and neighbors that surround me and swoop in to help out when need calls. I never have to feel that I suffer alone, when I do suffer pain or inconvenience.

This Thanksgiving, I find myself in a good place, both figuratively and literally. I’m fortunate and I don’t dare forget it.

I sincerely hope that this Thanksgiving finds all you of you in the same place.