For the most part, we've all been raised with a mild understanding of Thanksgiving involving those key symbols of: a) gluttonous dining, b) musket-toting pilgrims, c) football games, and of course, d) the ever-so-thankful 4-day weekend that (even more thankfully for some of us) precedes the busiest shopping day of the year.
Whether these attributes represent the Pilgrims' original intent is debatable; regardless, this year I discovered the true meaning of the season, which actually comes across so trite I almost hate to share it. But the truth is, All You Out There, is that we really have so much to be thankful for. We really do! In fact, this so-called "Thanksgiving" truly deserves its own 4-day weekend after all.
It took my own recent personal trauma (in having survived something as surreal one's own brain surgery) to fully realize this fact. Most importantly, it's because of this experience that I want to imprint this message on all of you:
The lives we are fortunate enough to experience are gifts that, often times, we can't fully realize until they become flashes of uncertainty. Not to mention, of course, that it would be completely useless if devoid of the people who make it worth the experience.
Yeah, I know, it's sappy and nothing we haven't heard before. Though I have to say that once you go through something as crazy as what I've experienced these past couple months, it's all you can do to not impose your learned wisdom on those you care about. My wish for all of you is to simply take a moment to breathe in the magic of the good life you have: it's realizing the beauty of yourself, of your families, and of your friends -- and without waiting for the risk of losing any of them. It's knowing that despite the unexpected cards we'll all inevitably be dealt, both good and not-so-good, that we'll be cushioned by a human support system that's stronger than we could ever comprehend.
And most importantly, it's because of this system that we will get through our struggles in the end.
This knowledge is my gift to you. Use it wisely and don't regret a day of the lives you've been given to live -- especially because of the people who are in it.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Found your blog randomly and am moved by your words. They ring so true as I lost a close family member earlier this year. It was then when I was able to understand how our precious time with family and friends is often difficult to fathom until there's a risk of losing them. Thankfully you conquered your battle. I hope your message is taken to heart by all those who read it. Happy Holidays.
Thank YOU, Mandy.
You made my 4-day weekend.
-- Sulks
Durrr, you made me cry at work! Love you girl. Soph
And here I thought that surviving Union Square on Black Friday was the closest I'd come to the proverbial "triumph of the human spirit..." You rock.
Kate
Post a Comment