This has been a tough year. We’ve lost so much.
Our lives have been upended. Our routines and expectations have been throttled. Our sense of safety and security has taken a hit. We’ve lost people who are dear to us. Our hearts have been rattled and wounded. Many of us are wondering when the next hit will come.
Now we face a holiday season unlike any other.
So today, on the day before Thanksgiving 2020, I find myself wishing for us all the gift of a peaceful Thanksgiving.
Even while missing our departed loved ones, may we know that giving thanks for them and all they gave to us is an important and heathy part of grieving.
Even with our losses, may we give thanks for the blessings we’ve enjoyed and experienced.
Even in a world of turmoil, may we give thanks for the moment and for the people we love and who love us.
Even with all the COVID restrictions, may we give thanks for our current blessings and look forward knowing that “this too shall pass.”
Even with all the uncertainty, may we guard our hearts by giving thanks for the goodness of the past while looking forward to more goodness in the future (even if we can’t see or even imagine it at present).
Even with all the pain and grief, may we choose to cultivate gratitude and hope rather than indulging in despair.
Even with all the unkindness and anger out there, may we choose to love and be people who promote peace.
Even as we desperately miss our departed loved ones, may we honor them by speaking their name and telling their story.
Even as we mourn, may we express our love through our grief in ways that honor our loved ones and those around us.
Even when dark days come knocking, may we choose to be people of light, healing, and hope.
Yes, this is hard. Cultivating gratitude and hope in the midst of heavy grief can seem as impossible as a solo climb of Mount Everest in the worse possible conditions. And yet, there is no better way to honor those no longer with us than living well and using our grief as fuel for good.
Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself. This Thanksgiving will be different, but it can still be good.
P.S. Do you have something you would like to share or a question you would like to ask? Feel free to comment!
Gary, my husband of 53 years died in June of this year. It has been so difficult not to receive hugs from friends. My daughter bought me your book Comfort for the Grieving Spouse’s Heart. Your words are my thoughts! You have so carefully, lovingly told me I am normal for what I am thinking. Thank you.
Hi Carrol. I’m so sorry about your husband. 53 years…oh my. I can only imagine the pain and grief you’ve endured already. I’m so glad you found the book helpful. Thank you for writing. Words like yours keep me writing! It’s an honor to be with you on this journey.