This last month has seen a rash of Facebook posts on a “7 days of Thanksgiving/Being Grateful” theme. They were interspersed with the “7 Days of Black & White Photographs”. And a few enterprising individuals combined them for a unique look into their lives. I am not a photographer. Sure I can snap a photo with my cell phone but I lack a vision and that “eye” that separates the casual shutterbug from the serious photographer/ photographic artist. That said I will post a couple photos here that I think are interesting. I’m also going to let you in on a few things I’m extremely thankful for.
1. I am thankful for my husband. He is steadfast. He demonstrates those qualities that define true love: he is patient, kind, forgiving, and generous. He isn’t boastful or arrogant, he isn’t resentful or irritable. He is never rude. He is honest. (I think I got very lucky in love – might explain my inability to win at Euchre)
2. I am thankful for my children. I have 2 sons. Both are intelligent and talented. They have never been in trouble with the law. They are both employed. They are independent and making their way in life. They have made me proud (and neither has shown a lapse in judgement and gotten a tattoo or piercings).
3. I am thankful for full-time employment at a good wage with a pension and good health insurance. For all the stresses that my job deposits in my lap, I’m still enjoying the challenges and experiences that each day brings.
4. I’m thankful for family. This includes my mother and sisters, the in laws and outlaws, nieces and nephews, and the assortment of great nieces and great nephews. Family should not be disregarded. They are integral to who you are and where you fit into the world. I am fortunate to have married into a wonderful family – warm and accepting, and fun to be around. We gather every Sunday evening to visit, eat ice cream, and put together jigsaw puzzles. It isn’t about the ice cream or the puzzles – it is about connecting with each other and showing them we care about what is happening in their lives.
5. I’m thankful for my close friends – both of them. They are the people who remind me when I’m having a bad day that there are things to laugh about. They are my co-conspirators and confidants. I can count on them and they can count on me – it is a wonderful thing to have that kind of connection. They are the sisters I chose for myself!
6. I’m thankful for my faith. It has been a foundation in my life ensuring that no matter the troubles, I am beloved of God. There are many who do not have the sense of a spiritual safety net. They do not have hope or expectation of reward for living up to a moral code. I am not going to lie and say I’ve never questioned or doubted. I will say that even in moments of disbelief, I was still open to the possibility. That small still voice penetrated the fog and guided me to safety.
7. I am thankful for my talents. I can do marvelous things in the context of my job. I assist research and teach the next generation of investigators to work with compassion, care and expertise. My mother thinks I am a brilliant writer and poet. She is usually right about things so I’m going to accept her judgement on that score. I dabble in ceramic sculpture and seem to be fairly good at it having sold several pieces and won a few awards. It is true that talent is only realized if used. I’m trying my best to use them.
A solid list of things to be thankful for. You have a good life that you are living well.
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Thanks. I try. I feel I must be living a charmed life since I have not had to face severe adversity…
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Yet another well written post — your mom’s probably right. 🙂 And yes, “talent is only realized if used” and that usually means finding a way to share it with others.
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Thanks Tom. I used to post daily and decided to cut back – quality over quantity.
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You are an amazing human being, Val! Your Mom is a very wise woman, and it seems to have rubbed off on you.
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Thank-you Gary! I think you are pretty amazing too. I’m glad you had a good thanksgiving with wonderful friends – it is a way to live to greet every day with a thankful heart.
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Wonderful post. I am fortunate my husband is very much like yours. 🙂
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Sometimes we just get lucky! I doubt I’ll ever find another one as perfect for me!
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This is a wonderful list, Val.
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Thanks Janet. I should be thankful for and recognize so many little things but I’m just as thankful for the big stuff…
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My list yesterday was thankful for the wonderful friends who included me in their celebration, and for the fact that 2017 has almost come to an end!
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2017 has been a rough year. You are not alone in being thankful it is almost over!!
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I think it is the first time I read here such a sum about you, Val .
For me you are a brillant writer, an expert in coccolithophoridaes and a champion in Geocaching! 🙂 I am glad you got a happy Thanksgiving.
Love ❤
Michel
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Thank-you Michel!! I hope as Advent begins you are wrapped in the warm embrace of family and friends!
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Yes ! Your mother IS right about you. I think I know her pretty well so can say that with confidence. She has always been very thankful for you and admired your talents and work ethics and your humanity. Call her sometime soon. Enough of the third person stuff! Love you !
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OK so I called. And I have confirmed the date of commencement ceremonies as May 8, 2018. It is a Tuesday….
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Number 5 made me cry.
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Ah don’t cry! Instead laugh until you can’t breath and you have a catch in your side and people turn and look at you funny!! You can even snort laugh if you want… or laugh so hard you pass gas or pee your pants (just a little)! But crying is only allowed if it is accompanied by unrestrained mirth!! Or you can cry and I’ll pass you the kleenex. However it is much more fun to laugh…
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What a lovely Thanksgiving post! And it sounds as if you have a lot to be thankful for. Thanks for sharing this, it reminds the rest of us to be thankful for what we have as well.
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Too often we let the negativity seep into our lives and obscure all the good things that exist for us. I prefer to focus on the positive – at least during the holidays!
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