Is this the day of giving thanks? Today we celebrate Thanksgiving and families come together to enjoy a feast and a oneness of family.
For me, today is a day of reflection, a day to remember the one year anniversary of my mother's passing. Thanksgiving is tough for me this year. Last yeat this was a day of taking not giving... My loving, wonderful mother was taken from our lives. Why? A woman who was never ill, full of life, always supportive and caring.
A book "The Shack", written by William Young was helpful in helping me understand the why of death and guide me in the direction of being thankful of what we all gained from a loved one's life. I have so much to be thankful for - a loving wife, healthy children, wonderful circle of family and a charmed life indeed. This has been a tough year for our family - so many milestones without mom - My parents 50th anniversary, my son's bar mitzvah and my mother's 70th birthday. I feel that I am whom I am because of my mother's influence in my life. So I am thankful for her love, direction and support throughout my life. I do grieve - but have found this wasted energy. My mother would not have wanted this - I know she would have wanted me to live my life and enjoy my family and friends. So as tough as it has been - I have chosen the high road this year. I think all the time "what would mom do" in this situation, and this moves me forward. My mother still lives within me - I feel her love and her nuturing and I feel blessed.
So on this day of giving thanks - I do have much to be thankful for. The void will always be with me but my mother's passing has made me a stronger and more loving man. Tonight I toast my mother and remember all the goodness I learned from this wonderful person.
Wishing all my family and friends a wonderful day of Thanksgiving!!
