Ah, Thanksgiving - A time for food, loved ones, and giving thanks. I've been reflecting on the holiday and thinking about how to write about it without falling into the cliche of a gratitude list.
We hosted this year and it went well, despite being nearly 9 months into a difficult pregnancy that put us in the hospital a few days before the event. We kept it small, and it ended up being even smaller after the last-minute cancellation of one person who brings the value of many more.
We ate, we talked, we played poker, and it was undoubtedly a good time, especially for the little ones who don't see one another often enough. That's the trouble with moving out of state - We've found so much good in our new hometown, but it doesn't dull what we left behind.
Thanksgiving is an interesting holiday. I know its association with the arrival of Europeans in the Americas has made it controversial in many circles, but honestly, I think there is immense value in a secular holiday centered around gratitude. I believe in the power of acknowledging the good in your life, especially when times are tough, and that is what Thanksgiving means to me.
And if your first thought reading that was something about insensitivity, believe me, I understand the implications of the holiday's history. After all, I'm a history teacher with a Masters in the subject. My academic background emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the pain caused by the early celebrators of Thanksgiving, but my years teaching underserved kids taught me how important gratitude is for maintaining a positive mental state. I think we can find a balance between the two by focusing on the latter each Thanksgiving Day.
That's the choice we've made for our family. To celebrate Thanksgiving by concentrating on gratitude and putting voice to all the good in our lives, even when it feels few and far between.
Honest reflection forces me to acknowledge that my family is going through a difficult transition right now, brought on by seemingly impossible circumstances and exacerbated by mental health issues. I don't think this is unique or even unusual. Every family struggles in different ways. But this was not a week to focus on that. No, this was a time to remember that through it all, we have each other, some good food, and a plethora of tiny hands and smiles to celebrate around the table.
I for one, am infinitely grateful for the people in my life. My husband is the greatest partner I could ever ask for, and we are building a life together that continues to blow past every expectation I've ever had for our future. We wake up every morning to our little son and our big dog, and things are only getting better as we prepare to welcome our daughter into the world.
I hope everyone takes some time this week to recognize the good around them, especially if you're going through a rough patch. All things pass, and even our worst moments are only a season, soon to be in the rearview mirror as we keep moving forward.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Thanks for reading. Drop a comment to join the conversation.
Let’s connect: Website // Instagram // Weekly Newsletter // Medium
Copyright © 2023 Anna Dunworth
Comments