On Gratitude

a simple thank you to you and you and you

When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe. JOHN MUIR

In times of trouble and these days I know of what I speak, gratitude is the way forward. A few friends are coming over this holiday to help ease us over Bailey’s nineteenth birthday tomorrow which lands before Thanksgiving, the first major holiday without her.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it stays true to an idea, if not to history. Our Thanksgiving tradition may look nothing like the first meal between the Pilgrims and Native Americans, but any prompt to peacefully come together is a good one. The simple act of gathering around a table and breaking bread with friends, family, and anyone who needs a place at the table, helps us pause and tap into a more universal current. Preparing and serving food reminds us to celebrate the planet that feeds us. And this holiday reminds us that we are connected and that laughter is the best dessert.

We all know about good manners – it’s good manners to thank people for a gift with a note or, at the very least, verbally acknowledge anyone who has made your day-to-day life brighter or easier. Expressing gratitude, on the other hand, goes much deeper and calls on our better angels. This week I received a thank you letter and handmade gift so beautiful, so poignant, that I dissolved into tears. Her gracious and meaningful words transcended good manners or obligation and expanded my world. She expressed gratitude, and I felt gratitude for the light she bestowed into a world that doesn’t seem so bright right now. It was a lovely exchange and reminded me to be more disciplined and to do the same for the myriad of people who support me.

Thank you to all who read here, who have kept me upright and somewhat sane, who shared stories, who showed up, and who consistently check in. All of it. We could never do this without you and we need each other. Plain and simple.

Now off to rummage in my closet for trousers with a looser waistband.

Safe travels if you are doing so, and Happy Thanksgiving!