giving thanks

it's the 4th annual foray into things i'm thankful for

Time to gather ‘round the newsletter and tell everyone what we are thankful for. I’ll start.

My close-knit, loving, accepting extended family, from my kids and sisters and parents to my cousins and aunts and uncles and close friends. My wonderful, adorable cats. Sunrises and sunsets that make the sky glow. Sugar free Popsicles. The tea bags from Chinese restaurants. Music in all its forms and genres and sounds. All the musicians, artists, writers, creators, whose works I consume with gusto. My warm, comfortable home. Friends too numerous to mentions; friends who have gotten me through tough times, who have helped me out when it was much needed without expecting anything in return. The occasions where I get to help my friends out or comfort them or listen to them, all that time is treasured and I’m so grateful to have relationships like that.

I have gratitude for the hydrangeas in my front yard, which continue to bring my sustained joy year after year, for the colorful impatiens that exploded all over my yard this year, for summer sunrises and fall sunsets, for the first snow and the first buds on the trees. Nature fulfills me, makes me feel whole when I feel like I’m falling apart. I’ll look at the way the clouds are tinged with pink at dusk and just marvel the power and grace of nature. The beautiful colored trees in the fall, the lush landscapes in summer, the rain when we need it, the snow when I don’t have to go anywhere, I am thankful for it all.

Long, hot showers. Crocs slippers. Fuzzy pajama pants that we all wear on Christmas. People who fight the good fight, who put themselves out there for others. Photoshop. 800 mg Motrin. Long Island diners. French onion soup. Gritty. Christmas lights. The girl at the bagel store who always greets me like I’m her best friend. Airpods. Spongebob. My primary doctor who always listens to me and works with me. My record collection. The birds and squirrels who come around to eat at my feeders in the morning and entertain my cats (and me). Snoopy and Woodstock.

I am thankful for baseball and hockey, for the distraction from daily life they provide, for the reasons to cheer for something when there is nothing else to cheer about, for the joy of home runs and overtime goals. I’m thankful for Sunday football in the winter, for pitchers and catchers arriving in February bringing the hope of spring with them. Sports can be bad and frustrating, but they can also give you an instant high and bring you joy.

Life. I am thankful for my life. It’s not always great, there are ups and most certainly downs. There have been times when I felt like I don’t deserve this life, both in a good and bad way. Thankful I have people who help me pull myself together when I need it. I have a loving family, loving friends. My cats love me (sometimes). It’s all good.

You. Thankful for you reading this newsletter, subscribing, passing my essay along. Thank you for reading what I write, thank you for telling me you like it.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate. Please feel free to share the things you are thankful for.