TalkThursday: Gratitude

Talk Thursday: Gratitude

I promised this yesterday, but in the great words of Roseanne Rosanna Danna…”It’s always something.”

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! Thank you for reading my words, offering me your insights, kind regards, and input. I write because, well I can, I blog because it feeds the soul. I thank you because you are awesome.

If you read me…at all, you know Monday and Tuesday were bleak days. I was down, depressed, and feeling like the world’s worst salesman. Your support is amazing. That night, I ended up working late, came home to a cold house and a warm dog. I was pissed that Lance Bass was booted before Warren Sapp, and instead turned on Soapnet to watch the day’s episode of General Hospital. Only to find that – again, the episode was stuck in automated – digital hell. Being in radio I understand automated – digital hell all too well. Instead I turned the remote over to the Hallmark Channel looking for a good Christmas movie. I love Christmas movies and luckily it was an hour into The Note starring Genie Francis, I’d been wanting to see this movie since it came out last year.

At 11:05 I climbed into the hot tub for a late night soak. The stars were brilliant, the night quiet, in one word, “awesome” in the full intent of the word. There is nothing more awe inspiring than the universe. I could lay in my hot tub for a full night under a clear sky and still not have enough time to think, relax, and rejoice.

In the grand scheme of things, I’m not much more than a mote in the eye of God (or a camel for that matter.) Barely a spark of fleeting life in the span of time. But yet, still I am. I stared to the southeast sky, through the pines, into the belt of Orion. How many gazillion people in the Northern Hemisphere, over the millennia past, have stared into Betelgeuse and contemplated the red star’s age? Its purpose? Or watched Polaris sit gleaming at the handle of Ursa Minor, then watched Cassiopeia spin on her head? In the greater scheme of things my worries and problems are not.

On this Thanksgiving I have so much for which to give thanks. I was blessed with wonderful parents who loved me, gave me the best of themselves, didn’t hold a grudge against the teen I was, and became my friend. I am thankful that while my father passed this last holiday season he still visits me in my dreams and I know he is good. I am thankful my mom is healthy, creative, and shares her time and experiences with me.

I am thankful for my first daughter who took the journey with me. She survived me and came out better. She is a better mother, a better daughter, and better person. I am blessed that she didn’t give up on me. In fact she went so far as to embrace the man who loves both her, and me, and accepts him as her dad. Then she blessed me with a grandson who is the laughter and joy of Ducky’s life and mine.

Speaking of Ducky… Wow, what a blessing to find a man among toads to share the remainder of my life. With him he brought Miseray, a wonderful girl, who grew into a delightful woman. While I doubt she will ever give me grandchild she does give me her love.

Where so many in this world are without, my life is full: full of love, joy, laughter, and give and take. I have a job that I love, that helps pay the bills, that allows me to be creative. I have a job I love in a time when others are worried about even keeping a job, that is little more than just a job. I have a boss who is my friend, appreciates and values my contributions to his business. I am lucky to work with a group of people who are talented, committed (in more ways than one), who are religiously and politically diverse and yet can hold a debate without rancor or bitterness.

My health is well, despite my five decades of decadences. And that despite those five decades of decadences I am only addicted to oxygen, chocolate, blogging, cheesecake, herbal teas, and an over the counter sleep aid.

Thankfully my parents chose to flee Los Angeles in at a time that benefited me, my personal growth, and my ability for adaptation. I am thankful my community still holds its small town charm, that I am able to live within a mile of the ocean and hear its roar from both my bed and my hot tub. I am thankful that Ducky commutes 80 miles into the valley so we can live in heaven. I love Florence, the sand dunes, the ocean, and the storms.

I am blessed with a great sister…who is still computer challenged…but she’s trying. Pinecone always seems to know when to call, what of herself to give. I am blessed with a great brother, Buddy, grew into his manhood on his own terms and knows the meaning of family. Despite where ever in the world his job has taken him, he comes home as often as he can.

My friendships are long lived and varied. I am thankful for my computer where most of my friends live. I am thankful for the friends who have come back into my life despite the distance and years past. I am thankful for my first boyfriend, Ronnie, who will always be my first love.

I am grateful to have been born American. To have been raised to believe I can be anything I want to be through hard work and perseverance. To be Quaker without persecution, and be friends with people who are Jehovah Witnesses, former Mormons, Catholics, and even Baptist. To live in an era where I can watch a nation change. To be able to speak out against what I perceive as wrongs and argue for the things I see as rights. To live in a land where I can change my mind. I am grateful I do not have an ability to hold a grudge.

I am filled with gratitude for the stars and that my stinky dog loves me.

Happy Thanksgiving
Cele