Thanksgiving...

I sit once more with a hot cup of heaven on a chilly morning and contemplate thanksgiving...not just the crispy delicious turkey and all the trimmings, the mashed potatoes and gravy that I was called upon to make out of drippings and leavings...the pies, the desserts...

...it's the babble of children's voices rising and lowering, laughter erupting, giggles bursting...the emotions swirling over all interactions as seeing each other without that one person brings home the loss once more...grief covered in love, in grace...expressed in that tight hug from grandpa, his large hands holding on for treasured moments...accepting comfort amid the loss...the conversation with grama wearing her sons favourite hoodie, thus bringing him to dinner.

It's the 'grama, I missed you!' and the arms thrown around my neck...that tiny hand in mine as I am pulled to see something wonderful...

Thanksgiving....the giving of thanks for all that we are blessed with, for all we have learned and experienced...my heart is full this morning...

Dear hearts...take each moment and treasure it....hide not your love, your joy of life...embrace and express to those around you...we do not know who may be in need at just that moment...those close to us and those we come in contact with in our daily lives.

Each one fighting a battle we know nothing of....a smile, a kind word...may love shine from us and warm the hearts of each we meet. It is here that I find healing, that I find surcease....

Love saves me every day...each day...love comes to remind me of all that is good...shining a light on the dark places, no corner uncovered....

Dear treasures, may you go today and focus on what is good, what brings life to your bones...may you know your worth and may you know love...the real deal...the love of a Father that never ends. Stand tall....rise up from that crouch, that slouch...stand and know, you are loved beyond measure, always...walk it out my friends...walk it out and leave, drop, kick the useless recriminations behind you...discard that which no longer serves you.

Just surviving will end...peace will come....joy will come in the morning...