A fond memory I have is the gathering of friends and family around our table at Thanksgiving. We would each take a turn sharing what we were most grateful for that year. I was always humbled when the kids’ friends would say it was being a part of our crazy family.  How simple were those times, innocent of what our future was to bring to us. This year, I struggled with missing those happier moments, in the continued chaos of what is now.

Having had lunch with a close friend this week, as I walked back to my car, I thought of how grateful I am for our lunches. A tradition that has been going on for over ten years. Each time includes wine with a shared salad, and conversation that makes me laugh and gives me energy. I thought of my other friends, those who I have shared life with for decades, those who I share the path of grief with, those who I see occasionally and yet it feels like just yesterday. I am grateful for friendships.

It has been a tough year so I would be remiss to say how grateful I am for my qualified therapist who has shed light on many dark closets of my psyche and whose couch I look forward to sitting on each time to gain perspective, accepting challenges of how to move forward. I am grateful for her.

I am grateful that my daughter could make not one but two trips this year that were on her bucket list.  That she enjoyed far away lands and came home with a feeling of peace and beautiful pictures. I relished in short jaunts to Canmore and to Mameo that filled my spirit and gave my fear of long-distance travel a reprieve. I am grateful for mini vacations.

For most of the year, I enjoyed the company and traditions of family and friends gathering at our local pubs for conversation and insight and support of our daily dramas. I got to know some superb staff at Earls and Cactus Club with one of my very favorite people. I am grateful for happy hour.

Amongst the commotion and the heartache this year has brought, I have enjoyed dreaming and planning new adventures. I have taken courses to expand my horizons and solo walks to soothe my grief and landed on a couple ideas that I anticipate will be a new direction of joy. I am grateful for hope.

Autumn is a time of reflection. Watching the leaves fall and aligning each one descending with something to let go of. Watching the rabbits fur change from brown to a creamy white, reminding us that change does happen. But it isn’t always ugly, just necessary. Feeling the air turn crisp, whispering it is time to go inwards and brew something nurturing. Fall is a beautiful season, a reminder of self-care.  I am grateful for this season and all that it gives, all that it allows.

May this thanksgiving be filled with the soft colors of the season and the anticipation of gatherings with those you love. May these moments comfort your grief. And may your loved ones from the other side, come to be a part of all that you celebrate. I am grateful for each of you.