Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Giving Thanks

On Thursday, the United States will celebrate Thanksgiving, honoring the the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies when the Wampanoag Native Americans shared their harvest feast with the colonists. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Thanksgiving Day in November.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially set the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving in 1941.


In most years the holiday is marked with televised parades and football and a massive celebratory dinner with family and/or friends. This year's will be a little different. As Covid rages throughout the country, wise Americans are limiting their celebrations, perhaps only having household members at the table.  It's the right and smart thing to do. But it is different. And for many, a big adjustment.


As we are giving thanks for the blessings of the year, many reflect on the personal or collective issues for which they are grateful. And yet for many, the day will be touched by the grief of loss of a family member, a good friend, or even the family pet. Yes, loss is rampant in our world today, not only through death but through the loss of things we took for granted -- loss of a job or family income, the ability to travel without additional nervousness or being able to hold those little grandchildren in our arms are several of the many losses that come to mind.


Still, there is much for which I have to be grateful this year and I will share a few of those things. At the top of the list is a supportive partner in Rick who has taken great care to protect me in these challenging times. For many months and with few exceptions, he has been my only ongoing human, face-to-face contact. I do not take that for granted.


I am grateful that despite a few nagging issues that will be with me forever, I am still healthy. I guess by that I mean I don't have Covid. So far, at least and each day I pray never. We have heard the stories from friends and neighbors who have had this disease and it has touched Rick's family with two of his relatives who fortunately are still here. Yes, grateful for safety.

I can't leave out how thankful I am for a talkative cat with a big purr who needs me because she doesn't have thumbs. She's a constant companion and yes, we talk to each other.


Grateful for a home that is warm and the resources to buy food and things I might not just need but want. For a cottage where I could hide away and isolate this summer and still feel somewhat normal. And for little things like cable and a computer and telephone. Things that keep me in touch.


Then there are the friends and family. Human contact -- even if it is on Zoom or twelve feet apart in the yard. People who care. I cannot imagine my life without the wonderful friends who have been part of it -- both in "real life" and online -- and that means you!

I am grateful that the administration in our country is turning toward a more mature, responsible leadership next year and one filled with hope as we look toward repairing relationships around the world. This will not be easy and it will not be fast, but I'm confident that things will improve. I am so thankful for developments that promise a vaccine soon, and for the amazing men and women who so selflessly serve in our hospitals, doctor's offices, grocery stores and so very much more. 

I take nothing for granted. We've seen how quickly life can be taken from us, how circumstances out of our control can change a world.


Every day I am grateful simply for the fact that people I love -- and that I am still here.

50 comments:

Mae Travels said...

Yes, Jeanie, you have found the spirit of the holiday! I hope it's a good one despite the limitations, and that by next year we can go back to the traditions each family likes to observe.

be safe... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

You are right, Jeanie. We have much to be thankful for. My daughter-in-law's parents got Covid a few weeks ago, and her mother was very, very sick. But they have recovered now and hopefully will not have any long-lasting symptoms. I saw how quickly and how unexpectedly (they have not gone out once in the last seven months) we can take ill.

Love that angel photo.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pam said...

Here in Nashville they are recommending that we have Thanksgiving among your household. Turkey on a platter for me, Chey, Lily and Misty...haha. I will however be driving an hour away to have dinner with Amber and her family. I know that its going to be a strange Thanksgiving for so many. I prob need to stay home since her kids are in school but I figure we are all going to end up with it at some given time or another. After Thanksgiving I will be laying low for a bit cause things are getting out of hand again.

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

You do, indeed, have an impressive list of things to be thankful for. May your list grow even longer this time next year.

Iris Flavia said...

Beautiful post. You are right, we have to be thankful and not take for granted what we still have, which is still a lot. And hopefully "we" get this new virus under control and life can be resumed.
All the little businesses hopefully will be saved, too. For now my Brother only has his shop open in the mornings and only because as optometrist he´s allowed to, as his job counts as "essential".
Here, in "my" city, life seems to go on nearly as normal. People wear masks but have no clue on distance, it´s a pain. Let´s hope a solution is in sight and next year you can celebrate Thanksgiving real big and beautiful and hug all your loved ones...

Joyful said...

Hi Jeanie, despite all the craziness of the day we sure do have a lot of things for which to be thankful. Though my Thanksgiving passed by over a month ago I am aware on a regular basis just how fortunate I am. I'm happy to have met you though we only know one another through our blogs. You remain a source of constant light and joy in my world. Thank you for being you, for sharing Rick and Lizzie and all your daily doings. Love and hugs and a big Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones and family members far and wide. xx

Valerie-Jael said...

Yes, we all need to be thankful for what we have, and not always longing for more and more. Happy Thanksgiving! Valerie

Rustic Pumpkin said...

It is a time of mixed emotions indeed, and more important than every to honour the old traditions and give thanks for that with which we are blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and Rick!
Deb in Wales

p.s. who has the sparkliest and prettiest eyes ~ you or sweet Lizzie!?

handmade by amalia said...

We've celebrated all our major holidays this year in lockdown, I'll never take family gatherings for granted again. Happy Thanksgiving!
Also - I really want that pink telephone.
Amalia
xo

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Jeanie

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Love the photos of you and Rick and sweet Lizzie. The vaccine will be available soon, it is a short time to wait safely considering we have been keeping our social distance since March. We all have much to be thankful for, hang in there! Take care, enjoy your day and week ahead.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

If I am not mistaken Thanksgiving in Canada was originally called Harvest Festival, and was a religious celebration to rejoice in the fall bounty of food grown on the land, Now, like every other event on the calendar, it has morphed into an orgy of commercial enterprise and overeating, and society has bought into it. These "festivals" are not events I pay much attention to, but if I were pressed into stating my thanks for just one aspect of my life it would be that I live in a society that recognizes the fundamental right of all its citizens to health care and that it is funded from the general tax base. Even the poorest child, from the poorest neighbourhood, with negligent parents and dire living conditions need never worry about a visit to the hospital or to the doctor, for it will not cost a cent, and will not be an insurmountable financial burden for years into the future. Now that is something to be thankful for.

Jacqui Brown said...

Happy Thanksgiving Day to you and your family, from France. I think this year, more than any, we have a lot to be thankful for, even those of us whose families have lost loved ones. I'm not American and it's only through connections on social media and blogs that I've come to understand it a bit more, but we will certainly take a moment tomorrow to give thanks. Enjoy your special day French Village Jacqui xxx

Dawn P. said...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Joanne Huffman said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you. May all our blessings continue.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning Jeanie! Your post happened to pop up in my email!

What a year. I think more than ever, that as a country, we are experiencing what many other countries have to live through on a daily, yearly basis. Whether it's disease or social unrest, we have been touched like never before, at least for our generation to see.

There is so much to be thankful for, no matter how small or ordinary it may be. I am grateful for my husband's health and companionship. I am grateful that I'm healthy and even if my eyes are growing old and my hip is in pain, I can still think, create, walk, even DANCE and I can hope for the growth that is promised when seeds of faith and love are planted.

We have so much.

My name is Erika. said...

There is a lot to be thankful for, and how easy to forget those little things. We are lucky people, even if for this Thanksgiving it is going to be a bit tough. I am lucky my daughter could isolate (she didn't even want her beau visit his parents last weekend so they would be less contact outside of the home and he did that) and is coming home. You have Rick and Lizzie. Lucky we can have a nice meal. A friend of mine is going to zoom so she can raise a toast. It must be tough to be alone when society (though not as much this year) says you need to be with people on this day. Wishing you a fabulous holiday Jeanie and this post to remind us of all the good things we have! Hugs-Erika

La Table De Nana said...

happy Thanksgiving to you:)And yours..:)

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

You have certainly provided many reasons for which to be grateful. Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, dear. I am grateful for your friendship, your caring nature, your constant visits to my blog. You are a blessing and NOT even in disguise.

Martha said...

I totally agree with you all the way around. I'm so worried watching the news and hearing how millions are still traveling for the holiday. I can't imagine taking such chances now that we can finally see a tiny light at the end of the tunnel. Wishing you and Rick a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Yes we must remember to be grateful. Love your pretty table and all your collection of photos. Wishing you a beautiful day tomorrow.

Linda Sue said...

Thanksgiving here is just another Thursday. I am thankful to be here, 2020 has not been great, I am also thankful for your glowing darling face with cat! Adorbs!LOVE

gigi-hawaii said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and Rick. This is a beautiful post, Jeanie. Thank you for being my blog friend. I appreciate your friendship.

Susie said...

Jeanie, Glad you and Rick have each other in your lives. You are being smart about Thanksgiving . We are too. Just Ted and I. It will have to do for this year. Praying we can all get thru this mess and on to better conditions. We miss our families so very much. Blessings to you both, xoxo, Susie

Thelma said...

Happy Thanksgiving Jeanie. We do have to be grateful.
Lovely post.
Be safe.
Thelma

Mary Rose's said...

Well said!
I am thankful for you, dear Jeanie, and for the Marmelade Gypsy blog which never fails to bring moments of delight, wonder, thoughtfulness, and connection.
I am thankful for the public TV meeting at which we met, that cold January in Columbus, Ohio. As I recall, we were in a hospitality suite, trying needle felting for the first time with one of the arts & crafts program hosts.
Years later... still in touch. You're my North Star, up there in Michigan. Keep writing and shooting photos and sharing them. You're making the world better, warmer, nicer and I thank you for it.
HUGS from the Blue Ridge!

Victoria Zigler said...

I'm glad you still have so many reasons to be thankful, despite the year it's been for us all. Stay safe,, and enjoy your Thanksgiving as best as you can, regardless of how you're going to have to spend it this year.

Prims By The Water said...

Yes 400 years ago the Pilgrims came to what we call America now. Who knew we would be distant from our loved ones 400 years later as they were the year they landed. We will survive as they did. Happy Thanksgiving. Janice

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

It has been a very difficult year. I am grateful for my health and the health of my family. Have a lovely Thanksgiving.

ashok said...

Happy Thanksgiving !

bobbie said...

Safe cyber hugs to you and Rick! We all have one thing to be thankful for ~ we are alive! Battered & bruised & perhaps grieving ~ but gloriously alive!
Hugs ~

Divers and Sundry said...

Thank you for these encouraging words. There's so much I have to be thankful for, and I'm grateful for all my blessings, great and small. Well, there's not really such a thing as a "small blessing" :)

Karen said...

Happy Thanksgiving Jeanie and Rick.

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Wishing you both a blessed Thanksgiving Day! 🦃

NanaDiana said...

What a wonderful, bright post about gratitude and faithfulness. Thank yuo. We all need this and you have touched on many of the things that I am grateful for, also.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xo Diana

Lowcarb team member said...

A pleasure to read your post and see your photographs.
Wishing you and Rick a Happy Thanksgiving.
My good wishes.

All the best Jan

Pamela said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you, Jeanie. It’s been a trying year, but we still have much to be thankful for. Thanks for this reminder.

Lynne said...

You write the best posts Jeanie . . .
with a story and theme and zest and honesty.
Reminding me once again to carry a grateful heart.
Happy Thanksgiving dear heart and to Rick as well.
love
lynne

Carola Bartz said...

We are grateful for very similar "things" and understandably so. I feel that this year I'm even more grateful than "normal" years, specifically because we are still healthy and I hope it stays like this. Have a lovely Thanksgiving, Jeanie, even if it is much smaller than usual. Less dishes to wash!

Arti said...

One more thing to be thankful for, vaccine is coming soon to you. We here in the North will have to wait for months... maybe next spring. Anyway, you're right, despite all, there are still many things / people to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving, Jeanie! And may the rest of the year be a blessing to you and yours as we greet the great Advent.

Evi Erlinda said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Jeanie!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Jeanie,
Happy Thanksgiving Day to you , my friend!!
I am grateful for all the same things that you are...And most of all, I am so grateful that I retired when I did and did not have to work in a hospital during these times.. I can only imagine what it is like and pray for all my former co workers and those caring for co vid patient sand the normal hospital patients who have to be there during these times.
I have taken great solice in being home and being able to "play" in my home...It has gotten me through these times...It offers a great distraction and a stress releiver for me...
Thanks so much for always visiting and for your kind words!!
Hugs,
Debbie

The French Hutch said...

This is the day we recognize for giving thanks but looking back at this year everyday was a gift. Such a hard year being away from family and friends is the worst and I miss that. So thankful for FT and Zoom. May you and Rick have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Happy thanksgiving to you and Rick! I hope you have a special celebration even though it looks very different than what you’d like! I am grateful for much this year as well, even though it has been one of the hardest years of adulthood for me. I am hopeful for 2021, though. A vaccine, a new president who I like and respect, and a new baby!

Anca said...

This is such a lovely post. I think it's important to appreciate the things you have, even more in this period. It's hard for so many people and the situation will not improve soon, unfortunately.

Sending virtual hugs. xx

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, I have so much to be grateful for this year. It was just my hubby and me at the table yesterday. I did delivery to my Daddy and son and family, and I am so thankful to be able to serve them. I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful!

William Kendall said...

I hope you had a good Thanksgiving.

Mereknits said...

This is such a beautiful post, we have so much to be thankful for even in this terrible year. Stay safe my friend.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Reading this a bit late, Jeanie, as I took time away from the computer for the holiday. Like yourself, we are also thankful for many things and one of those is that we were able to celebrate the holiday at home with all the trimmings and now leftovers! Glad you are staying safe and well

crackercrumblife said...

These are all wonderful things to be thankful for.

When I talked about Thanksgiving this year to Wyatt, I mentioned how Lincoln proclaimed it a National Holiday in hopes that it would unite the country that had been so divided during the war. It was a little over his head and he didn't see the significance of how this year, our country is divided in much the same way. Hopefully our country is headed in a better direction, very soon!

Debby said...

Funny how the strangest things trigger a flood of nostalgia. That toy tin phone? I had one. So did my sister. Mine was blue. Hers was red.

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