The Apples in My Orchard

Today is a day we all need to pause and give thanks. In the United States, it is our Thanksgiving Holiday.

At dinner, when our table is filled with some of our favorite foods, lovingly cooked and baked, I will ask each of my sons to share with the rest of us what they are thankful for in their lives. My husband, my sister-in-law, and I, myself, will also participate in the sharing of our gratitude.  We started this tradition a few years ago, and I make sure it continues. Obviously, we are grateful for being able to eat wonderful, nourishing food.

I distinctly remember last year being thankful for my health, as I just had a very scary experience wondering if I had a cancerous tumor. Thankfully, I did not. I remain so grateful for health and work to remain in a healthy state, watching my weight, trying to exercise regularly, and limiting any food and/or drink vices I have for caffeine and wine.

I also distinctly remember and remain so grateful for my friends. I have some wonderful friends. They know who they are, both near and far, old and new. They listen to my rants when I need to have one, and they encourage my dreams. I am inspired by all of them to be as good a friend to them as they are to me. Yes, it takes work but it is so worth the effort to maintain supportive friendships. I have realized that those friends to whom I am closest to, should be (and are) counted as family. I need these people in my life and am forever grateful that they are in it.

Family is always mentioned with gratitude at our table. Our extended family is small and has become smaller in recent years. On our recent visit to New York, we got to visit with both my sister and sister-in-law. I am so grateful to have both of these ladies in our life. My boys feel the same. The importance of their aunts’ love, influence, and support  is paramount.

We will surely hear some of these same subjects of gratitude today. Personally, I am thankful for my intelligence, and love of learning.  I am thankful I can continue to be passionate about teaching our youth, and having opportunities to do so. I am grateful for communities that welcome me to educate on environmental issues.

I am thankful my husband’s ability to retire at an age early enough for us to do some traveling and enjoy the life we’ve built together.  I am thankful for safe travel at home and abroad, as well as those who are employed or volunteer to make us safe while visiting places and people in distant places.

The physical beauty of our yard, State, country and world, makes me grateful enough to act to protect it. Yes, I have a great deal to be thankful for, today, and always. I am also grateful we have this day in which to pause to acknowledge our thanks.