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26th November 2009

Giving thanks

I woke up before dawn to drive down to an IHOP near the airport and meet Chris and Gretchen for breakfast. They had a scant hour before picking up Gretty’s family for their holiday celebration. I rather enjoy these hour-long reunions. They’re short, but intense and gratifying. There’s no distractions, no multitudes demanding equal attention. We had a lovely breakfast (pumpkin pancakes are fantastic. I may have to try making them this weekend) and caught up.

I’m grateful for friends who stretch my mind and my comfort limits, who support me, who love me unconditionally. I have truly been blessed by wonderful people who enrich my every day.

My friend Sarah invited me over for Thanksgiving dinner. I made pumpkin bread (not quite as good as at the tea. Susan does a much better job) and healthy mashed potatoes: enriched with cauliflower, blended with neufchatel cheese and non-fat yogurt, flavored with garlic, salt/pepper and fresh dill. They were actually quite delicious. Company at Sarah’s house is always entertaining and this year was no different. Her little sister (14) took me on a tour of her bedroom which is all Twilight (she likes Alice and Jasper the best) and showed me all of the magazines that she had collected and all of her journals that she’s been keeping, transporting me back to when I was 14. I’m glad I’m beyond those years!

I’m grateful for friends who have made me part of their family. I’m reminded that I’ve been blessed with plenty: shelter, food, companionship.

My parents called from the land of the warm (Arizona), where they were tickling baby Carden. Apparently he has developed rolls for knees and can stand up and holds his head up. My sister called, telling me all about the delicious Thanksgiving dinner at my aunt’s house. My aunt sent me a lovely email, detailing the evening from her perspective. We worry about my grandparents, on both sides. Sharp minds are withering, and independence is slipping away.

I’m thankful for my family. For the reminder of the frailty of life and the promise of eternity. For their example and their time. For their love.

I came home and ignored my pile of dishes (tomorrow) and am now sitting down with a new book (Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow – I love fairy-tale retellings and soon, I’ll get to go curl up in my bed with a warm rice pack at my feet and arise late tomorrow morning.

I’m grateful for my mind. For the gift of empathy and compassion. For the opportunity to serve and heal (and whine a little as well!). I’m blessed with a body that has held up to the rigors of residency (three and a half years without surgery!).

I’m grateful for my religion, for the comfort it provides and for a relationship with God that I’m constantly trying to improve, for faith in things not seen but felt deeply.

And I’m thankful for all of you. For sharing my life, and opening yours in return. Thank you!

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