Notes Of Thanks

A humble time of gratitude, shared blessings and perhaps silent desires for those not here.  It becomes a blend of great joy, and  truth be told, tears of sadness for those I miss.  More so for those still alive that have lost their way - and cannot find their way home - and especially to you my daughter - I leave the candles on in every window and the light of love in my heart to guide your way home.  

I want to thank each and every one of you for your friendship, love, shared wisdom and truth, kindness, inspiration, hope, family events, both great and small, triumphant and tragic, love of nature and the arts, your gifts and talents, dreams and humor, illness and health,  For all your support of me and appreciation for my truth and life I "THANK YOU" all.  

As you know, I write, 'Why I Am Thankful For You Letters' every year for folks who have Thanksgiving dinner here. I have been doing so since 1992. Originally, I would number the reasons I was thankful for whomever.  That only lasted one year since everyone compared notes as to how many 'reasons' were listed on their note.  Too funny, huh??  :-)

Here are this years.  Just three.  It will be simple, lovely, peaceful, delicious, blessed and filled with gratitude.
Thanksgiving 2010

Skipp-
Here we are - another year of glorious love and honor - understanding, kind support, music, so much laughter, embraces, tears of despair, tears of joy, meals shared with criss-crossed place mats, glasses of wine, oh yes the wine, morning coffee, all the Monday night “YAYS” and all those perfect Tuesdays and Wednesdays anticipated and delighted in.

YOU make my life possible - our life possible.  - “thank you”.....

We got our Gracey Blue this year - she is part of our pack now.
 I continue to be in awe of how you never complain.  It seems I need more help at times and you just go with the flow. I know how hard it is for you to deal with your job, but you do so we can have insurance and security. I feel your strength and deep love all the time Skipp - you are a pillar of hope, strength, love and protection.  I am SO lucky to have you as my husband, my partner, my best friend, my lover and dance partner - the one I share everything with, -  it is always and ONLY you.

If ever two people were destined to live life together it is you and me - I love that you call me every day - 20 times a day - when I hear your voice I still get a lovely shiver and when you say “I love you” I still soar so high and when you look at me and I see the love in your eyes,  I melt.  When we had that fall together and I saw the hurt in your eyes my heart broke in a million pieces.  That one ‘flip’ crystallized so much - the powerlessness I know you feel because you cannot take the MS from me and for me too - to have to surrender to that reality with and for you and for me as well.  It rocked our world, huh?    But we  made it through and beyond and are now stronger for having done so.  We are survivors and more.

I love our life together and our peaceful happy home.  I am so grateful that I have you to share in all of my days. I am comforted and content, safe and protected, loved and nurtured, and saved - ALL because of YOU.  “Thank you” and I love you...
Your girl forever,

Gail 


Thanksgiving 2010

Dear Dolan-

I am impressed by your commitment to your writing and getting your stories published.  I am thrilled that you seek my critique and opinions of your stories.  That means so very much to me.

I also am in awe of your ‘high status’ and respect in your teaching community.  You teach workshops and have developed ground breaking techniques for the classroom which have and will continue to have a positive impact on the lives of students and teachers alike for years to come.  At such a young age you have created a legacy.

I love that you call me, a lot.  I feel your care and concern in your words and humor and interest.  I am SO thankful that I matter, that I am worth your while and time and that we have a strong,  respectful and loving relationship. It is in the moments we share that I am most often delighted, uplifted, happy and grateful.  Being present with you in any moment is one of my most precious gifts.

As I look over my life and what matters and to whom I matter - YOU are at the top of the list - in the top five. :-).  You provide a balance of thought and opinion like no one else I know - it is both startling and refreshing.  Your clarity and confidence often amaze me - the intensity of your beliefs have overwhelmed me and your intelligent, honest and well informed opinions often empower me. I will tell you that there are times, when I am faced with dilemmas and like that show, “What Would You Do”, I think, “What Would Dolan Do/Say?”  And I am prompted in the best of ways to deal with the situation.  Cool huh? You are wise beyond your years.

I will end with telling you that I am filled with gratitude to have a son like you.  I adore you and believe in you beyond measure - “Thank you” for all that you share with me AND for all that you illicit from me to share with you.  Our ebb and flow is perfect.

I Love you Dolan

Mom..........




Thanksgiving 2010

Dear Mom-



This year certainly has had it’s share of life’s challenges, I am in awe of how brave and strong you are as you faced each one.  Your faith continues to inspire me and give me hope as you turned to your God in moments of total despair and in moments of pure joy.  As you surrendered to harsh realities you found beauty and understanding and gratitude to balance your world.  So often your faith was tested and each and every time, your faith won.

I was privileged to watch you literally come back to life - with laughter and song and appetite and mobility and self care and hopes and dreams - they all re-surfaced like gifts waiting to be opened and appreciated.  You unwrapped each one and began to live fully again.  Oh Mom - like the moth to the butterfly you have emerged - more beautiful than ever - and that sparkle of blue still shining in your eyes.  I truly have witnessed and lived this life-giving miracle that together,  you and God created.  Hallelujah!

I am forever grateful for your seasoned wisdom, unyielding faith, empowering love, and gentle humor.  I love how you love me.  I love and enjoy our daily talks and that somehow, being so close  to you, completes me.  I am forever thankful that you are MY Mom - and that our lives are so lovingly blended in the very best of ways.

I love you Mom, forever, and “thank you”

Love,

Gimpy-Gays

I was moved to laughter and tears writing these three letters this year.  Each one so purposeful and true.  I hope all of you have family and friends that you could write about.  And please remember to send prayers that my oldest daughter finds her way home.  Thanks.

Love to you all and "Happy Thanksgiving"