If there's one American tradition I'm kind of sad we haven't adopted, given our growing love of Halloween, is Thanksgiving. Celebrated late in November, it appears it has something to do, historically at least, with giving thanks for the upcoming harvest.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Given I've only just planted the vegetable garden (and already lost several little lettuces to the damn snails) giving thanks for the harvest seems somewhat pointless. So I'll give thanks for these things instead.
![Be thankful for the little things. Photo: Alexandru Sava Be thankful for the little things. Photo: Alexandru Sava](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/633c8f02-b8d0-4e81-8e77-b34aa113cffe/r0_0_1662_1155_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Friends
Thank you. To my dearest, longest ones, to ones who have only recently come into my life. Thanks for being at my mailbox in the middle of the night when I just can't handle it anymore. Thanks for realising now there is only one of me, there are times when I can only be in the one place at the one time, for driving my kids to and fro, or for putting them in storage until I can get to you. For all those friends who've been patient enough to put up with my ramblings and occasional anger and resentment. Those friends who've seen me at my worst and put up with me anyway. There have been plenty of worst moments this year. To my friends who make me laugh, and kindly laugh at my jokes, my stories. Those special few who know we can't laugh too hard because our bladder control isn't what it used to be. Those friends who accept we're all aging but are happy to occasionally carry on like we're still teenagers. To a few special friends who've made me believe I might fall in love again. To friends who've let me know that I've made their lives better in some way too. To my kids, and while your kids should never be your friends, I actually like you both, for the people you are, not because I birthed you. You make me proud everyday.
Home
In all senses of the word. The four walls and roof which enclose me. Which make me feel safe. My affection for you has only grown this year, now I have to maintain you all by myself. For almost 15 years my family has grown under your care, and while you too might be showing some cracks, you stand strong and remind me everyday that all we need is a solid foundation. You're mine now, and while sometimes the memories are overwhelming I can't wait to see what the future brings. I promise to take care of you. I will grow old with you. You deserve a good clean out soon. I'll get to that, because I need one too. Thank you for the moonlight you let in through the windows late at night, the breezes that flow on a hot summer's day.
And home. Where your heart is. That we have a safe place, in a neighbourhood that never ceases to amaze me. Community is important and I have one. A growing pool of neighbours who look after each other, who lend a hand.
Community, in this instance, even extends to places like our local shops. The butchers at Country Pride have given me much more than sausages this year. Advice about life and food and sport and love. They know I'll probably be the one to say something inappropriate and they'll shake their heads and serve me anyway. To the staff at our local cafes who know what we like to eat and drink. To beauticians who treat you like friends, relishing in all the hair growing in places it shouldn't.
Honesty
Life is too short to not say what you want to say. Sometimes you might not get the chance to do that before it's too late. Tell people you love them, tell people their behaviour is giving you the shits, let people know what is in your heart, let your heart rule you sometimes. We spend too long saying the right things, doing the right things. Do what you want to do. As long as your actions don't place others, or yourself, in harm's way, what harm is done. You can only learn from all your mistakes. I've said few things this year I regret. There's so much more I want to say if only I was brave enough. Perhaps that last statement doesn't fit well here but learning to put yourself out there again takes courage.
Health
I am grateful I am still alive and coping well, given how many people I know are not. I am sorry body for not taking great care of you. There'll be more thought this year about what goes into you and how we burn that off. It's not about weighing this, or eating that. It's about being kinder to myself.
All of this is. Thank you.