I find that, with the passing of years, I frequently return to the idea of gratitude. It is a concept, an action, an experience which is a needed antidote when I am simply being a pickle-puss, which is more frequent than you would think. Somewhere within my genetic makeup, there are probably a few things a bit out of kilter - it is so tiring trying to be perfect. But, back to reality.
The above picture of Snoopy with Charlie Brown is an important target for meditation and action. When I am in the doldrums, it is often gratitude that puts me back on track. It pulls me out of whatever morass I may be in or feeling. In that light, I'm describing a little of my family - a topic that you will seldom, if ever, find in my blogs.
This Thanksgiving, I spent some cherished time with some of my cousins, at least the Eastern branch of my family. (clearly not a big family - but my mother's youngest sister actually lived with my parents for a while when she was growing up. I always felt close to her. She died of a heart attack a few years ago while walking in front of her house. She did the most phenomenal job in raising her five children. Her oldest daughter died recently from a bad cancer. The support from her siblings was beyond compare. These are all very good people.
This whole clan gets together over Thanksgiving. They come from New Jersey, New York State, and Maine. Being with them is one of the high points of my year without question. I really cherish these people. (They may not know this since I have never told them, so I hope they come across this blog sometime!) The group that comes together is first cousins and second cousins. As I was driving away from the gathering this Thanksgiving, I just reflected with genuine joy my happiness at having been with them. I'm grateful for them. I give thanks. That seems to be what Thanksgiving is meant to be. So I'm glad!
TODAY's GRATITUDE: Already wrote about it up above.