Giving Thanks

In the midst of the recent terror attacks in Paris and the home invasion and shooting of a young mother and wife, I needed to take a break from all the bad in the world to watch something heartwarming. So on this chilly Saturday morning, I decided to check out what was on Netflix. I chose a Christmas movie (I am sure from the Hallmark or Lifetime channel). The movie was about a family whose young son was dying from cancer, and the entire neighborhood pulled together to give him one last Christmas. I didn't realize that I would cry through the entire movie, and I didn't realize that it would inspire me to update my blog. Four out of my five children are grown, and my youngest step-daughter lives with her mom, so we normally only see her every other weekend, but the movie made me question if I had spent enough time with my kids as they were growing-up. As adults, my children have their own lives--their own friends, jobs or college, and their own interests. I miss the sounds of their laughter and silliness, and seeing them in their PJs playing video games or watching movies--I even miss their bickering and arguing. I know as adults, they are healthy and happy. I also know that they are really good people, so it makes missing them a little easier. As an educator for the past 23 years, I have seen students grow-up and start their own lives. I am always surprised when one of them posts on social media that they are celebrating their 29th birthday, or they are having a baby, or that their oldest child is starting Kindergarten. I still see them as the young, awkward teens that I once knew. Time goes by so quickly, and in a blink of an eye, the baby you are holding right now or the the toddler that is making messes all over the house, or the elementary child you are taxiing all over town for activities, or the teenager that you are always arguing with will be an adult. Time is fleeting, so in this season of thanks and giving, take a few minutes to give thanks for the blessings in your life and to cherish those blessings. We need to remember what is good about our lives and cherish those fleeting moments with the people we love. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!